Robots Return to RDC for 5th Annual Robotics Championship
Red Deer, January 12, 2012 – Robots are coming to Red Deer and have returned to RDC. The College is welcoming the community to step into the innovative world of robotics on Saturday, January 14, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. during the fifth annual Alberta Robotics Championship.
The free event will take place in the Arts Centre and is for all ages. Join us for an exciting afternoon to watch student-built robots compete in a sporting competition for the mind.
In this year’s “Bowled Over” competition, teams from Alberta high schools will showcase the results of months of robot-building in front of a live audience. Their robots will be required to gather racquet balls, move bowling balls and stack crates to score points.
“Bragging rights are on the line when we name a tournament champion,” says Brian McLachlin an instructor in Information Technology Programs at RDC who has seen the competition grow over the last five years into the Arts Centre, where the competition is projected onto big screens to the delight of audiences. “The winners will qualify to go to the World Championships in St. Louis.”
Each team is comprised of two students, one who drives the robot and the other who operates the arms and claws specifically designed for this year’s competition.
The Alberta Robotics Championship is funded through generous support from the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing, Alberta Innovate Technology Futures and RDC.
Alberta Robotics Championship Schedule:
9:00 a.m. Teams arrive and set up their robot in the Pit area
11:00 a.m. First Round of Competition
12:00 noon Lunch Break
1:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
1:15 p.m. Robotics Competition Continues
2:30 p.m. Awards Presentation
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RDC is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Arts Centre. First opened in 1986, this state-of-the-art community performing arts centre has housed the training of over 40,000 actors, technicians, musicians, filmmakers, and dancers that contribute to the vibrant arts and cultural scene of Alberta. 25 years has culminated in approximately one million audience members who have been entertained, taught and delighted during more than 5,000 performances and events.
About RDC: Red Deer College has served the needs of students and the community for more than 45 years. With greater than 75 programs to choose from, we pride ourselves on providing a practical education, in a genuine and sustainable learning environment. Our 7,800 full-time and part-time credit students and more than 13,000 continuing education students are at the core of everything we do. RDC – when you get here you understand.
For more information on RDC, please visit our website: www.rdc.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Brian McLachlin Instructor, Information Technology Programs
RDC
403.343.4037
brian.mclachlin@rdc.ab.ca