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MaryAnn Wright, Vice President Global Technology and Innovation for Johnson Controls Power Solutions, gives some pointers to a F.I.R.S.T. Robotics team from two Milwaukee Public Schools.

Learning through robotics

Johnson Controls helps teens become passionate about science, technology and engineering through robotics competition

If you entered a huge arena to the sound of rock music, loud announcers, cheerleaders and hundreds of screaming teens, you might not immediately connect it to engineers and jobs. But that’s exactly what is happening all over the United States and in several other countries as the high school robotics season enters its competition frenzy. 

“Helping kids understand the connection between what they’re learning in math, science, writing and art and the real world is one of our most important investments,” said MaryAnn Wright, Vice President Global Technology and Innovation for Johnson Controls Power Solutions. 

MaryAnn has a long history with F.I.R.S.T. (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics, an organization started in 1989 by Dean Kamen, the inventor of the Segway and the first insulin pump. Over the years, she has served as team leader, mentor, and competition judge. 

Each year, F.I.R.S.T. coordinates the efforts of more than 2,500 high school teams as they work with professional mentors to design, program and build a robot to meet that year’s “game strategy.” This year it involves developing a robot that can place as many colorful inner tubes as possible onto a huge pegboard set up in a basketball court-like area in two minutes. 

“The emphasis of the program is to promote teamwork, cooperation and professionalism while instilling a sense of passion around the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines. Beyond designing and building a robot, there are many business acumen-building and community outreach activities. The kids are responsible for building a business plan and engaging potential sponsors to support the robot design, construction, marketing materials development and travel-related costs to get them to the regional competitions. Johnson Controls has been a long-standing financial and mentoring partner for F.I.R.S.T.,” MaryAnn said.

Robot

In several North American cities, Johnson Controls provides financial support and employees as mentors to the robotics teams. In 2011, MaryAnn will lead the Johnson Controls effort to support the Rufus King International School and Bradley Technology & Trade High School F.I.R.S.T. Robotics team (Team 1675), part of the Milwaukee Public Schools.

The team of about 16 students is supervised by teachers and mentors – but is really led by two dynamic young women who often are involved in everything from project management and writing technical articles to welding and dressing as superheroes. The team works on construction at Bradley Tech, located in a largely Hispanic neighborhood, and takes the robot to community events to demonstrate the challenge and fun of robotics and engineering. 

In recent years, Johnson Controls has supported F.I.R.S.T. teams in Holland, Mich.; Norman, Okla.; Centerburg, Ohio; Capitol Heights, Md.; Roswell, Ga.; Bellamy. N.J.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Brighton, Mich.

“It’s a great way for Johnson Controls to expand our reach into the youth within our community and encourage kids to consider education and professions in the STEM disciplines. Students involved in the F.I.R.S.T. program are nearly four times as likely to pursue a career in engineering and science,” MaryAnn said.

“MaryAnn’s support of the robotics team exemplifies what giving back to the community means through Johnson Controls Executive Involvement and Steering Volunteer Program,” said Mary Dowell, director of community relations in the department of Diversity & Public Affairs.

NOTE: This is one in a series of articles about community involvement at Johnson Controls. Future articles will cover how Johnson Controls business leaders as well as employees at all levels are actively involved in charitable and public service organizations and will showcase specific programs supported by Johnson Controls.
Team 1675
The Rufus King International School and Bradley Technology & Trade High School F.I.R.S.T. Robotics team (Team 1675) from Milwaukee, Wis., won the chairman's award at the Midwest Regional in March 2011.
F.I.R.S.T ROBOTICS
For more information about F.I.R.S.T Robotics, which also sponsors LEGO® competitions for younger students, see www.usfirst.org.
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