National bot competition returns to Cal U.
For 70 teams of high school students, the road to robotics glory runs through California University of Pennsylvania.
More than 600 competitors from seven states and Puerto Rico will face off Friday and Saturday when the National Robotics League returns to the Cal U. Convocation Center for a national competition.
Teams complete their required safety checks, documentation reviews and face-to-face interviews Friday, earning points toward the Grand Champion title and $500 prize.
Doors open to the community on Saturday, when the robots clash in gladiator-style, double-elimination contests inside two shatter-resistant arenas. The action continues from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. with an awards presentation at 7:30.
Students meet deadlines, use CAD software and test their designs before driving the remote-controlled, 15-pound robots into the “battle zone.” Behind the scenes, the pit crew utilizes critical thinking skills to troubleshoot and repair damaged robots so they can return to to clash again.
A number of Cal U. alumni mentor high school robotics teams, and past NRL competitors are enrolled in the university’s engineering technology programs.
The Grand Champion Trophy and $500 prize goes to the team with the highest combined score. First, second and third place, Best Engineering, Best Documentation, Best Team Presentations, Best Sportsmanship, Coolest Robot and People’s Choice awards also will be presented.
Admission and visitor parking to the family-friendly competition are free.
Area schools expected to participate include California Area, Canon-McMillan, Greene County Homeschoolers and Ringgold.