At alternawork, we see the value of innovation and technology every day—and we know that it’s never too early to start getting the next generation interested! That’s why we’ve teamed up with community-based not-for-profit organization Orbit Robotics, which runs a robotics team for high school-aged students and three Lego teams for grades five to seven.
Since the team’s inception in 2015, they have worked out of Sheridan College’s Skills Training Centre. With the closure of that facility last summer, the team was unsure of where they would go. They were in desperate need of a space that could accommodate the entire robot-building process.
Fortunately, the director of economic development at the Town of Oakville put them in touch with us. We were happy to offer space in our building for the team to carry out their training, programming, and practice with the robots.
Orbit mentor George Chisholm says, “We’re so grateful for the use of alternawork’s space. Without their kind offer, we would have had to work out of someone’s garage!”
The senior team is made up of over 50 students from 13 high schools in Oakville and Mississauga, with girls representing about 40% of the group. Unlike school-based teams, Orbit isn’t associated with any school board or district—all are welcome to join.
The team recently learned of their challenge for the FIRST Robotics Competition this year: an arcade game theme in which teams must design and use robots to defeat a video game boss. They now have six weeks to plan, build, program, and practice with a 120-pound robot. They’ll be working four evenings per week, plus weekends, to ensure they’re ready to compete.
The playing field is only one aspect of the FIRST Robotics Competition – the top prizes are awarded for the promotion of STEM and inspiring youth to get involved in science and technology.
“The robots are just bait to get them in the door,” George says. “It’s really about learning life skills like teamwork and leadership.”
Orbit leads outreach programs with groups like the Girl Guides, local schools, and the Rotary Club of Mississauga to recruit even more young innovators to join the team.
We’re so happy to provide space that fosters interest in technology among youth, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our friends at Orbit Robotics!
alternawork is a dynamic cowork facility serving the thriving tech community in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). To book a tour or discuss your office space needs, contact us today!
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