The IEEE Northwest Florida Section and its LMAG actively supported the “Boosting Engineering and Science & Technology” BEST Robotics competition at the University of West Florida in late 2023.
BEST Robotics is a yearly program that inspires middle and high school students to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through participation in a sports-like, science and engineering-based robotics competition. Eight Pensacola area schools formed the teams for the Emerald Coast BEST competition.
The IEEE members of the University of West Florida faculty and IEEE Life Members were advisors to the participants. The program provided three months of exposure to STEM activities, starting with Saturday meetings in September to learn about the competition and develop a range of skills needed to program and control their robots. In October, the teams prepared for actual competition by bringing their robots to be tested in a controlled environment. Finally, on Competition day in November when, the teams demonstrated their skills.
