West Virginia’s first flying robotics competition is May 15

The Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) at Marshall University and NASA’s Katherine Johnson IV&V Facility are teaming up with the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation to sponsor West Virginia’s first flying robotics competition for middle & high school students.

The event offers students an opportunity to get hands-on experience in STEM education in the form of a fun, fast-paced game. Students will learn to safely operate a drone, work as a team and research workforce applications of aerial robotics technology.

The competition will take place at Huntington Tri-State Airport Saturday, May 15, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Teams are limited to four people (adults and students), and all attendees must complete a brief health screening before entering the venue. Masks are required and no in-person spectators will be allowed.

Regardless of whether students have a drone or any experience operating one, they are encouraged to participate. The NASA IV&V Facility has a limited number of drones to loan teams that don’t have them.

The deadline to register is May 8. Registration and more information is available at www.mfg.marshall.edu/radc2021. Scholarships are provided by the REC Foundation for West Virginia teams to participate for free.

Questions about the competition should be directed to Todd Ensign, the tournament director, at .

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