Several Mars Area Centennial School students joined in the “Cobot Challenge” during a field trip to BotsIQ (Pittsburgh) on March 18.

Participating students included sixth-graders Jack Baumgartel, Cayley Chaffee, Alexander Chernykh, Hannah Craver, Lila Demetris, Asher Detore, Gillian Everest, Lucy Harrison, Bennett Kreit, Landon Lewis, Constance Miller, Ashrith Muppala, Ellie Spaulding, Adalyn Stuber and Maximus Veneziano; and, fifth-graders Noah Bergdahl, Lukas Fecich, Kendall Fonzi, Jessica Li, Jane Lyons, Eleanor McCauley, Angelo Navari, Pranshu Thakkar and Charlie Xuan. 

Using LEGOs, the students worked in pairs to assemble and program a “cobot” arm to complete challenges. A “cobot” or “collaborative robot” is a form of robotic automation and is designed to safely work alongside and collaborate with humans in a shared workspace.

The BotsIQ Cobot Challenge introduces students to in-demand technical skills in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science and programming, and 21st Century skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork.  

For more information, call (724) 625-2601.