Season No. 2 of robotics for the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s member schools is off to a great start thanks to the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation (REC).

The AIA just teamed up with the foundation to help run this year’s AIA Barrett Foundation Robotics State Tournament. Last year’s event was a hit but promises even more brain breaking fun for teams this season during the May 14 state tournament at Grand Canyon University Arena.

The REC Foundation runs VEX Robotics Competition annual international events that help to foster ingenuity, sportsmanship and fun.

“The AIA is proud to partner with the REC Foundation to put on the second annual AIA Barrett Foundation Robotics State Tournament,” said Dr. Harold Slemmer, the AIA’s Executive Director. “The goal of the AIA is to increase the number of high schools competing in robotics and by bringing the state tournament to the Valley we are poised to help grow STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs throughout the state and within our member schools."

The AIA's robotic team membership increased this year (58 high schools so far), and the AIA is expecting more than 100 schools to participate in VEX Robotics competitions. High schools can have multiple teams per school as well.

However, the state tournament will try to get participation from as many high schools as possible by limiting it to one team per school, unless additional teams from a school are needed to help fill the 32 team tournament. Teams must qualify to participate in this event through earning awards in local Arizona VEX Robotics Competition official qualifying events.

“The REC Foundation is pleased to partner with the AIA to engage students in STEM subjects through hands-on, curriculum-based robotics engineering programs, including the VEX Robotics Competition,” said Patty Smith, REC regional support manager. “Through our efforts, we currently reach more than 125 student-led high school robotics teams across the state. With partners like the AIA, we are confident that the program will continue to grow.”

The game robotics teams play changes each season. This season’s game is called Nothing But Net, which will be played on a 12’ by 12’ field. The object of the game is to score in high and low goals and by elevating robots in a climbing zone. Ninety-four balls and ten bonus balls will be available to score. A unique aspect about the event is that teams will form alliances with other state tournament qualifying teams to test their skills in exciting robot matches.

Registration for the AIA Barrett Foundation Robotics State Tournament is free. The event is free and open to the public. For event details, please visit: http://www.azpreps365.com/championships/robotics.

The Craig and Barbara Barrett Foundation, the presenting sponsor, is a Valley-based nonprofit organization.  Craig is the former CEO of Intel, and Barbara is a former ambassador for the United States in Finland.

For more information about the REC Foundation and the VEX Robotics Competition, please visit www.RoboticsEducation.org.