Robotics Integrators

There are many ways to learn more about robotics and education and careers in the field. First, check out these books and Web sites to learn more about robots, their history, and how to build them:

• Homemade Robots: 10 Simple Bots to Build with Stuff Around the House, by Randy Sarafan
• Robot Builder’s Bonanza, by Gordon McComb
• Robots-Your Guide to the World of Robotics: https://robotsguide.com
• Robot History: https://ifr.org/robot-history

Participate in robotics competitions to test your skills and meet people with shared interests. SkillsUSA is a national membership organization for middle school, high school, and college students who are interested in pursuing careers in technical, trade, and skilled service occupations. It offers a variety of competitions that will be of interest to aspiring robotics professionals, including Automated Manufacturing Technology; Electronics Technology; Engineering Technology/Design; Mechatronics; and Robotics and Automation Technology. Visit http://www.skillsusa.org to learn more. Here are more competitions to check out:

• BEST Robotics Competitions: https://www.bestrobotics.org
• FIRST Robotics Competition: http://www.firstinspires.org
• National Robotics Challenge: https://www.thenrc.org
• VEX Robotics Competitions: https://www.vexrobotics.com/v5/competition
• World Robot Olympiad: https://wro-association.org

Another good way to learn more about robotics is to participate in summer exploration programs, which are offered by colleges and universities, high schools, professional associations, robotics companies, and other organizations. Residential or commuter options are available. Some programs are free, while others charge a fee (although scholarships are sometimes available). Here are two providers to check out: Drobots Company (http://drobotscompany.com) and iDTech (http://www.idtech.com). Visit https://www.teenlife.com/category/summer/robotics-summer-programs for a list of programs at colleges and universities.