High school and college-level courses, degree-granting programs, internships, technical summer camps – all of these offer ways to develop a technically savvy workforce and support the manufacturing industry of the future. Recently, EWI became aware of another highly effective pathway to promote STEM education and tomorrow’s technical talent – competitive team robotics.
Secondary-level robotics teams tend to be hosted and funded by a school (typically private), but in Buffalo there’s a different model. Rust Belt Robotics offers a program that is open to all students in the area between the ages of 12-18. The group has engaged students from more than 40 schools, offering laboratory workshops, outreach programs, and opportunities to compete. Volunteer mentors include engineers and scientists from local colleges and the professional community.
The 2023-24 season was an especially exciting one for Rust Belt Robotics as the team participated in three official FIRST Robotics competitions, including a regional event in Ohio where they secured their first victory! This win sent them to the FIRST World Championship in Texas, where the team competed exceptionally well, ranking among the top teams globally.
EWI Applications Engineer Dillan Sayers is the Founder and Director of Rust Belt Robotics. He reports that the experience not only validated the hard work of the students but demonstrated their ability to innovate and compete at the highest levels. “Rust Belt Robotics is more than just a competitive team,” says Dillan. “It’s a community that enables students to discover their potential, develop critical skills, and build a foundation for a successful future.”
EWI is proud to support Rust Belt Robotics. The group plans to increase student participation, enhance robotics lab capabilities, compete in addition FIRST Robotics events, and establish a scholarship program in 2024-25. To learn more, visit rustbeltroboticsbuffalo.com or contact Dillan Sayers at [email protected].
