MTI is proud to announce our sponsorship for the Wingnuts Robotics Club, a local Oregon High-school student group participating in what has been called “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.” Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get.

Founded by prolific inventor and tireless advocate for science and technology Dean Kamen, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. FIRST participation has been proven to encourage students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields, inspire them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21 ^st century work-life skills.

“FIRST is more than robots. The robots are a vehicle for students to learn important life skills. Kids often come in not knowing what to expect of the program nor of themselves. They leave with vision, confidence, and with a sense that they can create their own future” said FIRST founder and entrepreneur, Dean Kamen.

“Competitions like this are a wonderful way to re-introduce our youth to important technical skills by making them cool again. These types of activities are a critical component to bringing manufacturing back to the USA and a vehicle for companies like MTI to pay it forward knowing these kids will end up in industry some day and may need products or services that MTI provides” said MTI Chief Executive Officer Gary Cosmer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZXngCu99rs&feature=youtu.be

About FIRST

FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.

 About Metal Technology (MTI)

With more than forty years of experience applying innovative, proprietary technologies, Metal Technology (MTI) is making possible the use of difficult alloys for a wider range of applications with greater efficiency, versatility, and reliability. Alloys include Tantalum, Niobium, Zirconium, Titanium, Tungsten and Molybdenum. MTI uses specialized press forming, forging, precision machining, and additive manufacturing methods to deliver superior products according to exacting specifications.