Free high school robotics competition offers real-world engineering lessons
The Air Force Research Laboratory and the Institute of Navigation are hosting the Second Annual Mini-Urban Challenge on May 22 at Wright State University in Dayton. The competition invites high school students to design, build and program a car using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® sensors to navigate at the contest site through a 20-foot by 20-foot city made entirely of LEGOs® building sets. There is no cost for schools or students to participate because the sponsors provide all necessary materials, sensors and software. The competition provides high school students with real-world engineering lessons in problem solving, technical language and teamwork with a goal of getting more students excited about engineering. The top two teams from four regions will compete in a national competition on June 4 in Dayton. For more information and to register, click here.
The Institute of Navigation (ION) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) announce the 2010 Mini-Urban Challenge. The purpose of this competition is to challenge high school students to design and operate a robotic car built from a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education kit that can accurately navigate through a LEGO® city.
Regional Competitions will be held in Winter/Spring 2010 in the following locations:
Bossier City, Louisiana (Jan. 30-31): Competition Results
Shalimar, Florida (March 20-21, Lewis Middle School, Valparaiso FL)
Dayton, Ohio (Date TBD)
Washington, DC (Date TBD)
The top winners from each Regional Competition will compete in the National Competition, June 3-5, 2010 in Dayton, Ohio (in conjunction with the 7th Annual ION Robotic Lawn Mower Competition).
The 2009 Mini-Urban Challenge National Competition was held May 28, 2009 at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. Regional competition results from Florida and Ohio are also available.
2010 Competition Announced
The Institute of Navigation (ION) announces the 7th Annual Robotic Lawnmower Competition sponsored by the ION Satellite Division and administered by the Dayton Section of the ION.