Robot Showdown At OMSI

Student Demos And Scrimmage Showcase Real-World Robotics

www.oregonfirst.org

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Don't miss the edge-of-your-seat excitement of robots battling it out at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)! Experience the thrill of victory and pounding defeat as high school robotics teams from throughout Oregon and Vancouver gather at OMSI for a day of mechanical madness at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Showcase.

Families are encouraged to come get an up-close look at these 120-pound student-designed robots in action (and even test one out) in OMSI's Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23. Entry to this event is included with regular museum admission.

More than 16 FIRST high school teams will compete in this scrimmage, which combines the fun and challenges of sport, as well as scientific innovation and teamwork. During "Breakaway," the students will guide robots to score goals on a soccer-like hill covered playing field. Additional FIRST groups and FIRST LEGO League teams will be onsite actively building and testing robots for future projects and challenges.

"Supporting technology, science and math in education is priceless," said Deb Mumm-Hill, Executive Director, FIRST. "Our children are smart, energetic and willing to rise to any challenge backed up by those who believe in them. On average, 55 out of 100 F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Competition students pursue degrees in engineering or science, compared to their non-FIRST peer group, in which only 28 out of 100 pursue these careers."

The FIRST Robotics Showcase is a chance for parents, students, mentors, and sponsors to learn about FIRST and to get information about joining local teams or starting one of their own. FIRST's major sponsors in Oregon are Autodesk, Mentor Graphics, Intel, Rockwell Collins, BPA, FLIR, Radysis, Xerox, Platt and more. More information can be found at www.oregonfirst.org.