What
The 12th annual Savage Soccer robotics competition at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is an all-day event hosted by FIRST Team 190 (WPI and the Massachusetts Academy of Mathematics and Science at WPI). Established in 1995 as an outreach program, Savage Soccer helps students learn about basic robotics principles and teamwork. The competition is a WPI student-managed event that provides an interesting, low-cost tournament for middle and high school students. Through the generous sponsorship of SolidWorks, WPI alumni, and Intelitek, this event is free for participants and spectators. See www.wpi.edu/~savage for more information.
Why
An increasing demand for robots and robotics systems to meet national needs in areas such as defense and security, elder care, automation of household tasks, customized manufacturing, and interactive entertainment has also generated escalated interest in robots among young people. Since fall 2007, WPI offers the nation’s first bachelor’s degree program in robotics engineering. This major is designed to prepare a new breed of engineer with the skills and imagination to develop intelligent machines that go beyond today’s reality.
Who
Approximately 70 middle and high school teams from across New England will compete in Savage Soccer.
When
Competition: Saturday, November 15, 2008; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Competition will be a live Webcast.)
Where
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Campus Center Odeum
Worcester, Mass.
