May 2018
MiMfg Magazine
FIRST Robotics Turns Motor City
into City of Champions
More than 40,000 people flocked to Detroit
last month as the city became the centerpiece of
the world’s most exciting robotics and technology
competition — the four-day FIRST Robotics
World Championships. FIRST (For Inspiration
and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a
nationwide effort to inspire young people’s interest
and participation in science and technology while
providing them lifelong friends, countless memories,
and the opportunity to explore new interests.
“When you step into a FIRST Robotics
competition, whether as a participant or a fan,
you step into a whole unique culture where kids
can go as far as their imagination and enthusiasm
takes them,” said Chuck Hadden, MMA
president & CEO.
The FIRST Robotics initiative has resulted in
more than 515,000+ students across 59,000+ teams
worldwide working with 255,000+ mentors, coaches
and volunteers in exciting competition for more
than $70,000,000 in scholarship opportunities.
“As soon I received MMA’s invitation to tour
the First Robotics World Championships in Detroit,
I thought of my 11-year-old granddaughter,
Ella,” said Doug Scott, human resource manager
for Industrial Steel Treating Company. “Ella
participated in her school’s First Technical Challenge
program, and she was literally a kid in a candy
store and absolutely loved the camaraderie, the
creating, and the competing. The popularity of
these programs and the inspiration and character
building they provide our youth will have a
lasting effect for years to come.”
Success in FIRST Robotics — whether by
winning competitions or just having a love for
the experience — naturally blends into a lasting
interest in manufacturing and other careers
focused on technology, robotics, and engineering.
“As someone who talks with manufacturers
every day, I see the excitement in their eyes for
what they do and I see the same energy, the same
smiles, the same wow factor on the kids in
FIRST Robotics,” said Hadden. “It’s a special
kind of competition.”
Detroit’s role as World Championship host
city will continue in 2019 and 2020, solidifying
the Motor City as the world leader in innovation and
technology and providing Michigan manufacturers
with a front-row seat to the ultimate sport for the
mind and an exciting outlet for kids looking for
fun and a future all rolled into one.
6
Top and Middle: MMA
member companies and
their families joined
thousands in Detroit to
check out the exciting
culture of FIRST Robotics.
Left: Inspired by the tour he
took with his mom, MMA’s
own Elyse Kopietz, Greyson
created this presentation
to his fourth grade class to
share his enthusiasm for
technology and manufacturing.
Check out MMA’s Facebook
page for Greyson’s video
presentation.
17