For the fifth consecutive season, igus has joined forces with FIRST - For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology - as a gold supplier of its robotics competition by donating various plastic machinery components, including:
- micro Energy Chain cable carriers;
- DryLin N linear guide systems;
- iglide plastic plain bearings;
- igubal spherical bearings; and
- DryLin S aluminum shafting.
The igus components were included in the robotic competition's kit of parts.
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As FIRST unveiled the annual engineering challenge, called "Lunacy," the kits were distributed to more than 1,680 high school teams.
"For 18 years, the FIRST organization has been working to create a culture where students not only emulate leaders in science, technology and engineering, but also realize the potential within them to someday be one of those pioneers," says FIRST President, Paul R. Gudonis. "igus is helping to instill those values and beliefs in today's youth. Like FIRST, igus aims to excite students about pursuing careers in engineering."
During competition, the robots will have to use "orbit balls," designated as moon rocks, empty cells or super cells, to score in trailer hitches attached to the robots of opposing teams.
More than 42,000 students from 10 countries will design and build robots to compete in regional events with winners advancing to the FIRST Championship in Atlanta, GA, in April 2009.
Explore the March 2009 Issue
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