Kettering University becomes the center of the robotics universe Sept. 23–24 when it hosts its annual Kettering Kickoff. More than 70 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) high school teams from Michigan, Illinois and Ohio have registered to compete in the two-day event. 

“Kettering University understands that the experience robotics students gain during their season is very valuable because these skills will help them be successful at Kettering and beyond,” said Kim Shumaker, Director of Robotics Outreach and the Robotics Community Center. “From design skills to soft skills and programming skills to electrical skills, robotics programs are the most comprehensive experience a high school student can gain to prepare them to pursue an engineering degree.”

In FIRST Robotics competitions, teams have six weeks to design, build and prepare their industrial-size robots for a field game. At the Kettering Kickoff, teams will face off against one another in a game called CHARGED UP. It requires teams to use their robots to bring game pieces back to their respective sides of the competition area. During the first 15 seconds of each match, robots operate autonomously. Drivers control the robots during the remaining two minutes and 15 seconds. Teams earn bonus points if their robots dock or engage with their charging stations during the match. 

Each day, Opening Ceremonies start at 8 a.m., with the event ending—and the venue closing—at 7 p.m.

Shumaker said the Kickoff is important for the teams. At this time of year, many teams are recruiting and incorporating new members as they prepare for next season’s challenge, which will be announced in January.

“It is also an opportunity to get some competitive practice for new drivers on teams,” she said.

The Kickoff is a recruiting tool for Kettering too. While on campus, many of the high school students will tour campus and interact with admissions counselors and professors. “Bringing these students, parents and mentors to campus allows the Kettering community to meet and interact in meaningful ways,” Shumaker said.

The Kettering Kickoff began in 1999 as a one-day event for Michigan high school FIRST Robotics teams. In 2021, the Robotics Center staff changed the event’s format to incorporate two separate competitions in one weekend and to allow out-of-state teams to participate. 

“The consecutive day events were a hit, so Kettering continues to host Kettering Kickoff 1 and 2 and invite out-of-state teams, which provides Michigan teams with experience against teams they don't normally compete with or against,” Shumaker said. 

Kettering began sponsoring high school FIRST Robotics teams in 1998. In 1999, it offered its first two scholarships to FIRST Robotics students. Since then, Kettering has awarded more than $5.5 million in scholarships. 

The 9,600-square-foot Robotics Community Center opened in 2014. It features machining and designing areas, a regulation-size practice field and bays for teams to store equipment. Of the 10 teams based at the Robotics Community Center, four went to the state championship, and one advanced to FIRST Championship in Houston. 

The University has hosted two FIRST Robotics district competitions each year since 2008. In addition, the University hosts several robotics workshops throughout the year. 

To learn more about robotics at Kettering University, click here.