Fastenal, FIRST Robotics team up to make competitions accessible to all
Fastenal Company has partnered with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) to improve accessibility in all future FIRST Robotics Competition events.
 |
| Representatives from Fastenal got to meet Team 3313 Mechatronics at the inaugural FRC Bluff Country Regional in Winona, Minnesota. |
The project is part of Fastenal’s ongoing commitment to STEM initiatives and workforce development.
During a FIRST Robotics Competition event, team members work to maneuver their team-built robots around obstacles to accomplish tasks. However, they have to stand outside the competition field behind high walls and netting, often making it difficult for wheelchair users to see and operate their robots.
FIRST Robotics Competition Team 3313, Mechatronics out of Alexandria, Minnesota (whose own Andrew Fleming is a wheelchair user) set out to create a solution: a custom-engineered ramp that provides clear sightlines for all participants. After working with a local industrial engineer, Team 3313 presented their initial drawings to FIRST, whose engineers helped finalize the design. All they needed was a trusted manufacturing partner to bring the ramps to life.
Enter Fastenal. Fastenal's engineering and manufacturing teams worked closely with FIRST engineers to review the designs and fabricate the ramps, ensuring rigorous functional and accessibility standards were met.
"With a focus on education and engineering, FIRST is a natural fit for Fastenal's community efforts," said Sally Olson, director of marketing for Fastenal. "Two of our core values are innovation and teamwork — both were on full display with this project. We're honored to help Team 3313 turn a great idea into a real-world solution."
With financial support from local community partners, Fastenal's Winona, Minnesota-based manufacturing team produced a total of 50 ramps, which were delivered via Fastenal trucks to a FIRST distribution center in Pennsylvania. The ramps debuted at the global FIRST Championship event in late April and are now part of the standard competition show floor kit distributed to FIRST events.
"I've always felt like a part of my team," said Fleming. "But it's nice to know that my team and I have made such a large impact on the sport I love, Robotics. I enjoy the more equal access to the field with my teammates, and I hope other wheelchair users have the same feeling."
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The May/June issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about GHX Industrial. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam and Frank Hurtte, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
