Carleton University to host robotics competition in Ottawa

Carleton University is teaming up with For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), an international non-profit that encourages students to pursue interests in science and technology as well as General Dynamics Mission Systems – Canada, a defence and security company, will work together to develop Ottawa’s first robotics competition.

During the competition, more than 20 robotics teams, along with their robots built and programmed high school students from around Ontario, will compete. The first annual FIRST Robotics Competition is set to take place on March 13 until 15, 2020.

“General Dynamics believes in empowering and engaging youth in STEM,” says David Ibbetson, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Mission Systems – International, adding that, “We support FIRST teams in Ontario and Alberta, while encouraging our employees to volunteer as mentors, sharing our engineering knowledge and expertise. We’re very proud to play an integral part in this exciting event in our nation’s capital.”

Under strict deadlines, students design and build 120-pound robots that compete on a playing field to complete tasks. Students program and test their machines using skills in engineering, coding, and design. It is also a chance for teams to develop business, marketing plans, outreach initiatives to fundraise and engage their local community.

“Carleton University is extremely pleased to partner with General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada in hosting our first-ever FIRST Robotics competition in 2020,” says Larry Kostiuk, the dean of the research-intensive Faculty of Engineering at Design. “Their support as the competition’s flagship sponsor will play a key role as we showcase and celebrate the next generation of STEM innovators at Carleton.”

For more information on this event event, visit carleton.ca/firstrobotics.