National Robotics Week Events in Chicago

The fifth annual National Robotics Week takes place from April 5-13, 2014. Robotics week started as a way to celebrate the US as a leader in robotics development and to inspire students of all ages to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related fields.

Armour College of Engineering is a leader in Robotics research in the Midwest. IIT is home to the Robotics Lab@IIT where researchers study the general area of robotics with a specialization in mobility in challenging environments. One of the developments to come out of the lab, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Matthew Spenko’s HyTAQ Robot (pictured above) has been featured in numerous publications. There is even Illinois Tech Robotics, an IIT student group that builds robots for numerous competitions throughout the year. They will be competing at the FIRST Robotics Midwest Regional competition at the UIC pavilion as part of the Robotic Week Festivities (see details below).

Many events will be going on throughout Chicago to celebrate robotics week with a the goal of educating the public about how robotic technology impacts society and to advocate for increased funding for robotics technology.

MidWest Regional, UIC Pavilion
April 3-5, 2014 – 9am to 9pm each day
The varsity Sport for the MindTM, FRC combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of 25 students or more are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program robots to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. It’s as close to “real-world engineering” as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team.

Facility Tour and Demonstrations, BIR Training Center
April 10, 2014 – 1:30 to 5 pm
CNC and Robotics Manufacturing Lab Facility Tour – BIR Event during National Robotics Week BIR Training Center, a FANUC Robotics Certified Training and Education Site will be hosting an educational tour at its CNC and Robotics Manufacturing Lab Facility. Visitors will tour our CNC and Robotics Manufacturing Lab to see and interact with live demonstrations. Participate in hands-on workshops and demonstrations on a FANUC Robot cell and simulators. Guests will have the opportunity to talk to professionals regarding automation and manufacturing career opportunities. No tour pre-registration is required.

Greater Chicago Botball® Tournament, Museum of Science and Industry
April 13, 2014 – 8 am to 5:30 pm
The Botball® Educational Robotics Program engages middle and high school aged students in a team-oriented robotics competition. Participants’ robots compete with each other on a custom playing field in a fast paced, non-destructive regional tournament. The robots are student built and programmed to maneuver on the game board without the need for remote control. Come check it out and root for the students!

MATE Midwest Regional MATE Competition, UIC Natatorium
April 26, 2014 – 8 am to 4 pm
MATE’s international student underwater robotics (remotely operated vehicle or ROV) competition consists of an international event and a network of 22 regional contests that take place across U.S. and in Canada, Hong Kong, Scotland, Japan, and Egypt. Student teams from upper elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, home schools, community colleges, universities, and community organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club and 4-H, participate. The competition consists of four different classes that vary depending on the sophistication of the ROVs and the mission requirements.