Humber College to host FIRST Robotics Competition in 2019

September 14, 2018 – Toronto’s Humber College will host a robotics competition in partnership with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Canada from March 8 to 10, 2019.

During the 2019 FIRST Robotics Competition, high school students, along with their robots built in under six weeks, will compete in a challenge that combines sport, science and teamwork, and that gives them real-world engineering experience.

Under strict time limitations, students design and build 120-pound robots that compete on a playing field to complete tasks. Students program and test their machines using skills in engineering, coding and design. Teams also develop business and marketing plans, as well as outreach initiatives to fundraise and engage their local community.

“Humber’s polytechnic model of education emphasizes the value of applied learning and this competition is a real-world engineering experience that will help high school students develop technical, communication and teamwork skills,” says Dr. Chris Whitaker, president of Humber College. “It was a natural fit for us to work with FIRST Robotics to host this event to help prepare the next generation of STEM leaders for success.”

FIRST is an international non-profit organization designed to inspire students to pursue further studies and careers in the STEM areas. Students develop skills in problem solving, innovation, leadership and teamwork as well as design, manufacturing, programming and testing. FIRST Robotics Canada, a Canadian non-profit started in 2002, now reaches 20,000 Canadian students.

Humber’s event will become the 10th Ontario district robotics competition. After competing at the district events, teams with the highest rankings and awards will move onto the District Championships at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga, Ontario in April 2019. Rankings at this championship will decide who moves onto the FRC World Championship in Detroit.

“FIRST Robotics Canada is excited to partner with Humber College to host an FRC event in 2019,” says Mark Breadner, president of FIRST Robotics Canada. “Humber College is an educational partner that recognizes the value and importance of giving high school students the unique opportunity to engage and excel in STEM through FIRST programs.”