Placer Robotics expands opportunities with new league

In Roseville, California, a significant event known as the NorCal Summer Smash transformed the downtown area into a hub of excitement and innovation. On Saturday, the town square was filled with the sounds of battling robots and enthusiastic spectators, as the event attracted hundreds of competitors and onlookers from various regions. This outdoor combat robotics event was celebrated as the largest of its kind in Northern California, highlighting the growing interest and participation in robotics among students. Just a few years prior, the event originated as a small garage project but rapidly evolved into a robust community of enthusiasts. Kevin Miller, the Executive Director of Placer Robotics, emphasized the rapid growth, stating that they transitioned from a modest team of five kids to over 200 students involved in their competition teams. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the cheers of fans and the noises of metal clashing. Students were not only spectators; they participated by showcasing the robots they designed and built through months of hard work. Competitors like Andrew Harabor expressed the thrill of finally being able to test and battle their creations, while also noting their inspiration drawn from watching shows like BattleBots. In addition to the excitement and competition, the NorCal Summer Smash serves a more profound purpose: to inspire students and foster careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Diana Tarlson, a familiar face from the television series BattleBots who attended the event, shared her enthusiasm about the involvement of young minds in robotics. She encouraged aspiring engineers by informing them that there are resources and experienced individuals in the community willing to help them get started in robotic building and competition. As the event concluded, it marked not just a day of fun and competition but also a commitment from Placer Robotics to further engage the youth in STEM fields. They announced plans to launch a new robotics league later in the year, indicating a dedication to expanding hands-on engineering opportunities. With this expansion, they hope to build a stronger infrastructure for students interested in technology and innovation, reinforcing the idea that getting involved in robotics can be both enjoyable and educational.