Kettering University became the center of the robotics universe this weekend when it hosted the annual Kettering Kickoff. Over 70 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) high school teams from Michigan, Illinois and Ohio have registered to compete in the two-day event.
In FIRST Robotics competitions, the teams have six weeks to design, build and prepare their industrial-size robots for a field game. And at the Kettering Kickoff, teams will face off against one another in a game called CHARGED UP. This requires teams to use their robots to bring game pieces back to their respective sides of the competition area.
During the first 15 seconds of each match, robots operate autonomously. And drivers control the robots during the remaining two minutes and 15 seconds. Teams earn bonus points if their robots dock or engage with their charging stations during the match.
Each day, the Opening Ceremonies start at 8 a.m. with the event ending and venue closing at 7 p.m.
Shumaker pointed out that the the Kickoff is important for the teams. At this time of year, many teams have been recruiting and incorporating new members as they prepare for next season’s challenge, which will be announced in January.
The Kickoff has been a recruiting tool for Kettering University too. While on campus, many of the high school students will tour campus and interact with admissions counselors and professors. Shumaker noted that bringing these students, parents and mentors to the campus allows the Kettering community to meet and interact in meaningful ways.
The Kettering Kickoff started in 1999 as a one-day event for Michigan high school FIRST Robotics teams. And in 2021, the Robotics Center staff changed the event’s format to incorporate two separate competitions in one weekend and to allow out-of-state teams to participate.
The consecutive day events were a hit, so Kettering decided to continue to host Kettering Kickoff 1 and 2 and invite out-of-state teams – which provides Michigan teams with experience against teams they do not normally compete with or against, according to Shumaker.
Kettering started sponsoring high school FIRST Robotics teams in 1998. And in 1999, Kettering offered its first two scholarships to FIRST Robotics students. Since then, Kettering awarded over $5.5 million in scholarships.
The 9,600-square-foot Robotics Community Center had opened in 2014. And it features machining and designing areas, a regulation-size practice field and bays for teams to store equipment. Of the 10 teams based at the Robotics Community Center, four went to the state championship and one advanced to FIRST Championship in Houston.
The University hosted two FIRST Robotics district competitions each year since 2008. And the Kettering hosts several robotics workshops throughout the year.
KEY QUOTE:
“Kettering University understands that the experience robotics students gain during their season is very valuable because these skills will help them be successful at Kettering and beyond. From design skills to soft skills and programming skills to electrical skills, robotics programs are the most comprehensive experience a high school student can gain to prepare them to pursue an engineering degree.”
— Kim Shumaker, Director of Robotics Outreach and the Robotics Community Center
