Northrop Grumman and REC launch Australian VEX Robotics workshop

The Northrop Grumman Foundation, in partnership with the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation, recently launched the first Australia/New Zealand VEX Robotics Exhibition and Workshop.

Existing teams from New Zealand joined newly formed teams from Australia at an educational experience event hosted at Dickson College, August 23-24 as part of National Science Week.

VEX Robotics is the world's fastest growing competitive robotics program for elementary schools, high schools and colleges around the world.

In the 2013-14 season more than 10,000 teams from 33 countries participated in more than 800 VEX Robotics competitions worldwide.

The competition season culminates each spring, with the VEX Robotics World Championship which unites top qualifying teams from local, state, regional and international VEX Robotics events. 

"Northrop Grumman has seen the growth and increased interest in robotics engineering programs on a local level and we are thrilled to support the VEX Robotics Competition in the communities where our employees live, work and educate their children," Ian Irving, chief executive, Northrop Grumman Australia said.

"This competition is part of our global commitment to encouraging an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics [STEM]." 

"The REC Foundation recognises that successfully preparing our children for the future global economy will require a strong understanding of STEM subjects," Jason Morrella, president of the REC Foundation said.

"Robotics engineering programs naturally engage and inspire students to pursue STEM-related careers and we are dedicated to providing them with high quality competition opportunities, like the VEX Robotics Competition, to accommodate their growing interest. We could not do this without the support of sponsors like the Northrop Grumman Foundation that share our passion for technology education."