High school students developed search and rescue robots for Skillpoint Alliance's Velocity Prep ROBOTech Program

Austin, TX - Del Valle High School students presented their final project, "Saving Lives By Design," Thursday, June 30th at A.C.E.S Vislab, to "client" Dr. Benito Fernández from the UT Mechanical Engineering Department. The students worked on developing search and rescue robots for the Velocity Prep ROBOTech program, an initiative of the non-profit Skillpoint Alliance. During the summer program, students received hands-on design experience and learned about robotics and engineering from practicing professionals. They formed a consulting company and worked with a client and other relevant experts to research, plan, develop and present specific project deliverables that address the client's problem in exchange for a stipend and merit bonuses.

ROBOTech Velocity Prep 2011 ran from May 31st – June 30th and was coordinated by the Technology & Education Executive Council (TEEC)  at Skillpoint Alliance and supported by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Spansion, the UT Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Total Facility Solutions.  ROBOTech is one of many initiatives led by the TEEC, which facilitates strategic partnerships between industry, education, and community leaders to strengthen the workforce in Central Texas. The TEEC is a consortium of high tech executives and education leaders engaged in addressing the education and workforce development needs of the engineering and technology-based industries in Central Texas. The TEEC focuses on:

• Project-based, K-16 STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education in Central Texas;
• Connecting classroom learning to industry applications; and
• Sharing best practices from industry and education.

ROBOTech Students' Deliverables can be viewed below.

Calendar Link

B.O.T. Final Presentation (PPT)

RSAR Inc. Final Presentation (PDF)

B.O.T. Robot Video (WMV)

 B.O.T. Final Report (PDF)

RSAR Inc. Final Report (PDF)

ROBOTech Velocity Prep is Presented by

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors