Hughes Network Systems provides broadband satellite solutions and services. It recently declared that it will sponsor the sixth consecutive For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition, once more. Besides offering financial support to the Chesapeake Regional competition, Hughes executives were the jury for the same.
The competition was conducted at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD from March 8 to 10, 2012. Also, the approaching DC Regional competition during March 29 to 31, 2012 at Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC will have Hughes professionals as judges. The winning team at the regional competitions will progress to the FIRST Championship at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, MO, to be held from April 25 to 28, 2012.
The VP of Corporate Marketing at Hughes, Dr. Arunas Slekys exclaimed that the firm is focused on motivating and developing the students’ interest in science and engineering that will contribute to raising the next generation of technological pioneers. The objective of conducting Super Bowl is to provide an opportunity for the students to comprehend and meet the challenges involved in solving real-world engineering problems in a dynamic, team-oriented competition.
Each year, around 15 to 25 high school student teams gather at the FIRST Robotics Competition to construct an absolute robotics package with the assistance of mentors. The initiative includes achieving sponsorships, creating a brand, in addition to the complex programming process in robot construction. During the competition and also throughout the construction process, the robot design, performance creativity, teamwork, innovation of each team will be scrutinized.