Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc. Inspires Next Generation of Engineers as Silver Supplier of the First Robotics Competition


Cincinnati, Ohio, January 26, 2009 - Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc. announced today that it is joining forces with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a not-for-profit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology, as a Silver Supplier of the FIRST Robotics Competition.

The FIRST Robotics Competition Silver Supplier level designates a contribution between $10,000 and $50,000. Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc. provided air volume tanks for the 2009 FRC Kit of Parts which was distributed to more than 1,680 teams of high-school students on January 3, 2009.

"Clippard is a generous supporter of the FIRST Robotics Competition," said FIRST president, Paul R. Gudonis. "As a Silver Supplier, Clippard greatly helps us to achieve our vision: 'to create a world where science and technology are celebrated...where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes."

By providing components for the competition, FIRST suppliers are putting the latest technology in the hands of students, giving them the opportunity to apply the same tools used by professional scientist and engineers and ultimately helping them learn real-world skills they will carry into the workplace. The 2009 Kit of Parts contain 604 items, 39% of which are donated.

Since 1992, FIRST has brought the excitement of a sporting event to science and technology via robotics competitions. On January 3rd, the organization unveiled the annual engineering challenge to teams, who also received a kit of parts made up of motors, batteries, a control system, and a mix of automation components - but no instructions. Working with mentors, students now have just six weeks to design, build, program, and test their robots in preparation for regional events that measure the effectiveness of each robot, the power of collaboration, and the determination of students.

More than 42,000 students from 10 countries will design and build robots to compete in regional events with winners advancing to the FIRST Championship in Atlanta, Georgia, April 16-18, 2009. Participating students are eligible to apply for more than $9 million in scholarships offered by leading universities, colleges, and companies.

Contact This Company

All Topics