Iowa SkillsUSA is currently in the process of implementing the National SkillsUSA contest Robotics:

Urban Search and Rescue for the 2018 State Skills USA conference that will take place on April 27th at DMACC in Ankeny.

About the Contest: This event consists of a two-person team that has students build a robot to find particles in a structure and then dispose of them in a container outside game area. Students are required to drive their robot using a remote camera and monitor system. A robot is designed to open doors, and grab/transport particles off site and then brought to the competition the day of the event. Students are then judged on their robot performance along with how well they documented their design process in an engineering notebook. Participants are also asked to take a test that includes general knowledge of robots. Top three medal winners are acknowledged at closing ceremonies that takes place on the evening of the contest. Where to Start: For our first year, we plan to have two options for participants. The first option is to allow students to compete without being SkillsUSA members (non-SkillsUSA members will not qualify for national contest that will take place in Louisville, Kentucky in June). The second option is for advisors/students to become members, which would allow them to qualify for national competitions, if placing first in this state competition. Fees: State Contest Only Cost for this is a registration fee of $40 for each participant which includes a conference t-shirt, lunch, and evening meal before the closing/awards ceremony. You must email us, email addresses indicated below, with your intent to compete and fees paid by March 15, 2018. SkillsUSA Membership/Contest If a team and advisor wish to register and join SkillsUSA, they would need to pay $15.50 for student memberships ($33.00 for professional members) along with the $40 conference fee for a total of $55.50 for each student (total for professional is $73). The top placing team that are members will have the opportunity to represent Iowa by competing at the national competition mentioned above. Deadline for SkillsUSA membership is March 1, 2018. If one registers after this date, they will not be able to attend the national conference. It will be a good idea to contact us so you can be on our email list and keep current with conference/registration information. Contact information: Arijan Alagic –State Director skillsusaiowadirector@gmail.com Ed Birkey– Advisory Board Member ebirkey@fdschools.org Other Info: https://www.skillsusa.org/ http://www.skillsusaiowa.org/ 2017 Technical Standards: https://c10645061.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/resources/usar2017chalguidev2.pdf Video Examples: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xbSmEnpWEw&t=26s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8O577fjG6c&t=57s