The New River Robotics Association (NRR) is 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to inspiring young people by engaging them in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) via robotics competitions, outreach activities, workshops, and experiments.
The NRR sponsors the Tuxedo Pandas robotics team, part of “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Tech Challenge.” The Tuxedo Pandas have twice represented Virginia at the FIRST World Championships, placing them in the top 3% of all 3,400 FTC teams worldwide. The team is currently made up of four boys and four girls in 8th and 9th grades throughout Montgomery County Public Schools. Tuxedo Pandas has open practice on Friday afternoons, and recently built robots for the RBTCs’ Tech Nite and RoboParade. A 2-minute overview of our competitive team can be viewed at https://youtu.be/CyJhXUpIHbo.
The NRR team began in 2011 when Team 401 (FIRST Robotics Challenge) was located just one building away from the new VTCRC location. The NRR joined the VTCRC community at their new location in April 2014, and is excited because it offers an ideal location for Montgomery County School students, with easy access for Virginia Tech mentors, high-speed internet, and a flexible floor plan.
Henry Bass, a board member, says “Many VTCRC tenants have middle- and high-school-aged youth who might like to see what we do. No prior experience is necessary, but we must warn you: robotics can be addictive! We are in our new Panda recruiting season now, so please visit us on Facebook or our website and tell us your interest!”
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tuxedoPandas
- The RoboParade: www.thetechnologycouncil.com/roboparade
- Team website: www.tuxedopandas.org/
- Twitter: @TuxedoPandas
- AND the New River Robotics Association is a work in progress at www.newriverrobotics.org/
