We’re excited about progress on FIRST Robotics Competition field build underway at EMS in Odessa, FL
Typically, the field used at ROBOTICON and other events like ours is rented and shipping is often an expensive challenge, as is field construction. Thanks to an Argosy Foundation grant, FCDI has been given the opportunity to secure our own field and related equipment to build out a youth robotics facility in Tampa Bay, part of our Advanced Manufacturing & Robotics Center (AMRoC). In the course of working with our manufacturing partner, The People of Manufacturing, we decided to invest grant dollars locally and are having the field custom built by Electro Mechanical Solutions, Inc. (EMS), of Odessa, FL.
This is part of the nearly $100,000 in local investments which FCDI has facilitated over the last six months, and which ranges from support of area FIRST Robotics Competition teams and the nonprofits and academic institutions that help provide STEM education , to local business and industry related to the production of ROBOTICON and the development of AMRoC.
In addition to robotics competition fields, meeting and build space and resources for FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST LEGO League programs, AMRoC will also feature:
- Professional development opportunities for manufacturers, educators and community youth program facilitators,
STEAM education camps and workshops for youth,
Scrimmage opportunities for teams,
Pre- and full apprenticeship training for high school aged students and older,
Manufacturing collaboration opportunities,
Rapid prototyping,
Small scale production and manufacturing runs.
AMRoC aims to bring together industry and academia in a way that serves both and improves economic development outcomes for our community. Look for our shiny new field at ROBOTICON Tampa Bay October 6 & 7, at the USF Sun Dome Arena!
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