Igus Inc., a developer and manufacturer of motion control and machinery components, donated a wide range of products for the 17th Annual FIRST Robotics Competition in Manchester, N.H. Held in January 2008, the FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) competition gives robotics students the opportunity to build a robot capable of carrying 40" inflated track balls around a circular, indoor field. The 1,500 participating teams came from all over the world, including Israel, Brazil, Canada and the United States. Teams received a kit of common parts and had six weeks to construct their robots for the competition.

Igus has been a platinum-level supplier for the events for three years. For the 2008 competition, the company donated cable carriers, bearings, linear guide systems and aluminum shafting. In 2005, Igus launched the YES (Young Engineers Support) Program to foster mechanical design ideas for students with a passion for engineering.

“Igus has been extremely proactive about supporting organizations that promote both interest and the pursuit of degrees and careers in engineering-based fields,” says Carsten Blasé, vice president at Igus. “Through our YES program, Igus strives to accomplish goals similar to those of FIRST Robotics, making Igus’ support of the competition a win-win situation.” For more information, visit www.usfirst.org or www.igus.com.