BGSU holding 11th Falcon BEST robotics competition on Nov. 4

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Committed to providing comprehensive educational opportunities, Bowling Green State University will hold the 11th Falcon BEST - Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology - robotics competition for students from 13 regional high schools from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, in the Stroh Center.

As the only BEST competition of its kind in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, the BGSU event challenges high school teams to design remote-controlled robots for competition. Teams are also judged on their marketing presentation, project engineering, team entrepreneurship and additional categories such as video and website design and robot modeling.

For the competition, schools are provided identical kits of equipment and parts, a set of game rules, and given eight weeks to design, build and test their robot. BGSU faculty along with engineers and technical professionals from local industry serve as mentors, advising and guiding students through the design and construction of the student-produced robot.

Building on a tradition of excellence within existing accredited logistics and systems engineering programs, BGSU is further supporting industry needs by introducing three new academic programs in robotics engineering, electronic and computer engineering, and mechanical and manufacturing starting in Fall 2024. Interested students may apply now.

BGSU has strategically aligned its program offerings in the School of Engineering to cater to the expanding field of advanced manufacturing and technological innovation. Providing new degree programs that focus on both science and the application of engineering is a unique differentiating factor that employers say is needed in the current and future industry landscape.

The University's innovative degree programs will equip students with comprehensive skills that encompass both the fundamentals of engineering design and a strong foundation in math and science. Students will also acquire practical engineering expertise, enhancing their appeal to potential employers. BGSU engineering bridges the gap between conventional engineering and cutting-edge technology, aligning with the qualities sought after by employers when hiring engineers.

Driven by strong demand and supported by regional industry leaders, BGSU engineering is poised to make a significant economic impact in the state of Ohio and the U.S. heartland of manufacturing. The University's commitment to experiential learning, state-of-the-art facilities and co-founding organizations like the Center to Advance Manufacturing underscores its dedication to producing graduates who can thrive in the advanced manufacturing sector and beyond.

The BGSU Falcon BEST robotics challenge is presented in part by First Solar, Rudolph Libbe Group Inc., Missile Defense Agency STEM - US Department of Defense, BGSU College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering and BGSU Summer Academic Youth Programs.