The firefighting robot contest is a component of the Abington Mobile Robotics Program. The initiative, which has existed since 1996, has four goals:
- Education: It provides resources to integrate robotics into the engineering, computer science and information technology curriculum from kindergarten through college. It promotes active, collaborative and problem-based learning as well as teamwork, research, project management and entrepreneurship. Robotics has been integrated into computer engineering and science, first-year engineering design and IST coursework at Abington.
- Research: It provides opportunities for undergraduate research in mobile robotics including navigation, artificial intelligence, human-computer interface and innovative educational applications of robotics. The program also offers resources for science fair projects using innovative robotics at the K-12 level.
- K-12 outreach: The program promotes student interest in science, math, information technology and engineering careers through training and workshops, STEM integration, mentors, career awareness and community service.
- Design contests: The program hosts highly-accessible public competitions and exhibits to promote robotics and provide a focal point for robotics education, research and outreach.
For more information on the IST and Mobile Robotics programs at Abington, go to www.abington.psu.edu/ist.