VEX Robotics Competition Elevates STEM Talent at UND’s Signature Event

Students Compete for Glory in North Dakota’s VEX Robotics Signature Event

The VEX Robotics North Dakota Signature Event, held in Grand Forks from October 31 to November 2, 2024, formed part of the 2024-2025 V5RC Challenge: High Stakes. The event attracted approximately 250 teams, each demonstrating engineering expertise and innovative robot designs. Hosted by the University of North Dakota's College of Engineering and Mines and presented by Bifrost Manufacturing, this competition provided a significant platform for students to showcase their creativity and dedication.

Participating students crafted their own robots, adhering to VEX Robotics’ specifications under the guidance of their coaches. The competition aimed to achieve two goals: to offer an engaging and challenging robotics contest while also sparking interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. The teams demonstrated their skills by controlling motorized, wheeled platforms designed to manipulate objects. The objective was to score points by stacking plastic donuts on portable pegs and transporting them to designated spots within a set timeframe.

Andrew Dahlen, the event organizer and a lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at UND, noted that hosting the competition at the Alerus Center, home of UND’s football team, was a way to honor the students’ efforts. Dahlen emphasized that the event was a celebration of the students’ talents, underscoring the significance of providing them with public recognition. The goal was to showcase these young individuals' progress and further inspire them to continue pursuing their potential. Dahlen also highlighted the importance of initiatives that encourages young people to explore STEM and engineering careers, aligning with the broader industry need for skilled workers.

Killian Erickson, CEO of Bifrost Manufacturing, stated that sponsoring the North Dakota Signature Event helped introduce students to careers in industries vital for advanced manufacturing. However, Bifrost’s primary goal was to raise awareness of its work while also helping to cultivate a future workforce, with events like VEX Robotics tournaments serving as the initial exposure to these fields. Coach Annette Beattie from Valley City High School in North Dakota observed that the competition allowed her students to apply their robotics skills in a real-world context. The event had a lasting impact on student’s career paths, as the former students who had pursued careers in engineering and STEM education, had the long-term benefits of their competition experience.

Ezra Dehaan, a junior from a team based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, explained that his involvement in VEX Robotics had significantly influenced his decision to pursue a STEM-focused education at the university level, with a particular interest in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. Dehaan highlighted the importance of VEX Robotics as an effective entry point into these fields.

A total of 50 teams participated in the event, with TenTon Robotics from West Vancouver School, British Columbia, winning the prestigious Excellence Award. This accolade qualifies the team to compete at the VEX Robotics World Championship, scheduled in May at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.
The VEX Robotics North Dakota Signature Event highlighted the talent and innovation of student teams, fostering interest in STEM careers. The competition’s success underscores the growing role of robotics in shaping future engineers and leaders.

Editor's Note:

The VEX Robotics North Dakota Signature Event was a celebration of student innovation and engineering talent, offering teams the opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity. Beyond the technical challenges, the event was key in sparking interest in STEM careers, demonstrating the importance of hands-on learning and real-world application. By bringing together students, educators, and industry leaders, the competition fostered a sense of community and collaboration that is essential in preparing the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators.

Skoobuzz believes that this event will reinforce the crucial role that robotics and STEM education play in shaping future careers and industries.