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Major sponsor announced for Robotics Education & Competition

The Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation and VEX Robotics have announced the VEX Robotics Australia 2018 Nationals taking place December 1-2, 2018 at the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre. This event will host the brightest minds from primary school and high schools for a massive competition that celebrates STEM education, collaboration, hard work and the dedication of these student-led robotics teams.

The event is presented by the REC Foundation and VEX Robotics, and is sponsored by

  • SMC Pneumatics
  • Ford Australia
  • Monash University
  • AutoDesk
  • HEXBUG
  • Robomatter
  • Rack Solutions
  • Innovation First International.

VEX Robotics VRC (high school) and VIQC (primary school) Competitions will consist of 45 VRC teams and 30 VIQC teams competing in a series of back to back matches each vying for one of the 5 spots available to Australia to compete at VEX Worlds Championships held in Louisville, Kentucky USA, April 2019.

“There is an incredibly powerful shift that you will see in students when it comes to their interest and understanding of STEM subjects, through their involvement in VEX Robotics,” said Tony Norman, President of VEX Robotics. “Not only are these students improving their STEM aptitude and developing computer science skills through programming, but through VEX Competitions, they are learning about different cultures and countries of origin, and they must find ways to problem solve and work together to achieve the greatest possible success. As a result, these students walk away having had a far richer, life-changing experience.”

Opening ceremonies will occur on Saturday, December 1 st at 9:00AM with an

opening from the host of Channel Network 10 science show, SCOPE’S, new science

guru, TV host, science wiz Lee Constable.  Each week Scope explores themes from across the STEMM spectrum, from robotics to sustainability to health to chemistry! In each episode the audience is inspired to get hands-on with DIY activities and gets to meets scientists and other experts who give an insight into their work. Lee loves engaging young people in STEMM and puts her science background to good use to make the show accessible and entertaining for her young audience.

 

Saturday we will be hosting a GirlPowered workshop in partnership with Ford Australia.  At this event, female students will have the opportunity to connect and engage with industry female leaders from Ford.  This workshop will allow students to understand the opportunities of real world industry that result from their interest and success within their Science, Technology, Engineering and Math studies.

“Ford Australia is delighted to partner with VEX on the GirlPowered workshop, which helps nurture talented young women so they can realise their full potential,” said Jessica Selvay, Innovation Lead of Ford Asia Pacific. “We’re proud to encourage and support young women through educational programs and workshops such as this, and hope that the students will find role models and leadership positions to aspire to in the industry,” added Linda Parkman, Innovation Lead of Ford Asia Pacific.

 

SMC Pneumatics will also be on site, showing how their pneumatic systems work in parallel with our VRC platform.

Ford and SMC Pneumatics bring an awareness to students.  “It’s experiences like this that prepare students with the skills necessary to meet the needs of tomorrow’s workforce.” Dan Mantz, CEO and chairman of the board of the REC Foundation.

Monash University’s Nova Rover Team, the first Australian student group in the Southern Hemisphere to ever qualify to compete in University Rover Challenge finals, will be showcasing Rovey, the Mars Rover, inspiring students to continue their robotics journey through University and beyond

Autodesk is an official partner with VEX Robotics across globe to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields. Autodesk, on site will showcase Product design & VEX Robotics kits live training using Fusion 360- a cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM tool that helps teams explore design ideas and create models for 3D printing and machining. Students can quickly modify robot designs, create assemblies, produce photorealistic renderings and fabricate the parts. Autodesk will also demonstrate 3D printing products using Fusion 360.

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