Young innovators face off in robotics challenges

Teams from around New York State competed in regional robotics championships, held in conjunction with the international program FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), on January 16 and 17 at the Wildcat Field House at SUNY Poly’s Utica site.

SUNY Poly was recently named an Affiliate Partner for FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), authorizing SUNY Poly to host and promote multiple robotics events.

“The robotics programming we provide in conjunction with FIRST is a perfect example of SUNY Poly’s commitment to inspiring young minds through experiential learning opportunities,” said Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, President and CEO of SUNY Polytechnic Institute. “We are delighted to partner with FIRST and to host exciting events like the regional robotics championships, which is like the Super Bowl for these young innovators.”

The international FIRST organization helps to develop critical science and engineering skills in young people through engagement in exciting mentor-based robotics programs. The weekend championships at SUNY Poly will bring together the top teams in FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) divisions. On Saturday, January 16, FLL teams, made up of children ages 9-14, will collaborate on robot design using LEGO Mindstorms as they compete in this year’s “Trash Trek” challenge to solve real-world problems associated with refuse and recycling. On Sunday, January 17, FTC teams, comprised of students age 14 and up, will participate in the “RES-Q” challenge and design, program and deploy robots to compete in mountain rescue style missions, including resetting beacons and delivering climbers to a shelter.

“The best learning opportunities for problem solving and critical thinking ​for students are through hands-on, real-world experiences. Opportunities like those presented by SUNY Poly and FIRST are a wonderful example of how that learning can produce groundbreaking thinkers and innovators,” said Dr. Robert Geer, Senior Vice President and COO of SUNY Poly. “Students produce some of the most incredible results when given the freedom and opportunity to show what they are capable of.”​

“Geared Up FTC 6347” at the January 17 FTC RES-Q Challange with their robot named “Rossi” in the foreground. The robot is named for their mentor and friend, Elizabeth Rossi, FIRST Partner and K-12 Outreach Director at SUNY Poly!

“SUNY Poly prides itself on innovative, experiential learning that provides exceptional opportunities for our students as well as making substantial contributions to the community, ” said Dr. William Durgin, Provost of SUNY Polytechnic Institute.  “While a strong academic foundation is incredibly important for young minds, so is having a solid understanding of how to put that knowledge to work in real-world applications.”

“We are proud to bring in FTC to the family of FIRST robotics programs for which SUNY Poly serves as partner. This new role has brought collaboration opportunities with Sauquoit Central School District, St. John Fisher College and Corning Inc.,” said Elizabeth Rossi, K-12 Outreach Coordinator for SUNY Poly. “The STEM pipeline for grades K-12 is certainly on display through these programs. It is so gratifying to see how FTC teams support FLL teams. We have been grateful for the frequent volunteer assistance provided by both FTC and FLL teams to create and enhance the FIRST ecosystem of hands-on STEM exploration in upstate New York.”

The weekend championship events were the culmination of three qualifiers in both FLL and FTC robotics programs held in November and December throughout New York State and hosted by SUNY Poly.

You can find the full results of the weekend’s FLL events here and the weekend’s FTC events here.

For more information, please visit: sunypoly.edu/stemoutreach