Muskegon's MARS Rovers 4004 - Robotics Competitors From Area Schools

In Muskegon, sometimes we have to consolidate to get things done and through the consolidation, we also find collaboration and a chance to experience things from more than just one point of view.  It kind of comes back to the mindset of if there's a will, there's a way and the MARS Rovers have found that way to get kids into robotics even though their schools may not offer the program.




The Program is FRC of First Robotics Competition which began in 1989 to get students excited about the opportunity to get hands on experience with science and technology, engineering and math, while building self confidence as well as life skills that they can take with them into pretty much any line of work.  Believe it or not, it starts as early as K-3rd grade with Lego's and today, we visit a group of high school age competitors who are about to find out what they have to build and make work in 6 weeks.  At stake?  $16 million dollars in scholarships for students and teams who wish to pursue their dreams in technology.  This is serious stuff, but it's approached as a hands on, interactive and fun way to learn more, collaborate with peers and mentors as well as be a highly functional creative outlet for young people.

MARS Rovers Website

The work space is in Pribusin Inc, a spot you'd probably never even notice just driving by close to Our Lady of Grace Church.  Pribusin makes quality process controls and instrumentation...stuff you'll probably never see if it's working right.  The students come from Reeths Puffer, North Muskegon, Oak Ridge, Orchard View and some are even home schooled.  I was there for a team meeting before it all began and the rules were laid out plain and simple.  School first, robotics team second, and you know...I personally think that's a pretty good approach.  Inside, the first thing you see is is the CAD area, then there's the machine shop, the hall of fame from past projects, the fabrication area and way in the back the area where they will build the arena that their robot will compete in.  They have 6 weeks to build the bot, the arena to practice in and get it to the competition.

I had a chance to site down with Jack Page who's a mentor, "Mike 1" who also goes by Mike Gerstweiler who owns Pribusin Inc and is also a mentor, "Mike 2" or Michael Reynolds who's a communications engineer at Comcast, Logan Page who's a student competitor and we talked about what this program does for everyone involved.  Take a listen and learn a little more.

Amazing story and amazing kids.  What really gets me though, people pulling together to take what they know and give kids the practical knowledge they need to go to the next level.  Hands on technology and the use of their tools and treasure to fill a gap where it needed to be filled.  Taking the passion they have for what they do and bringing in the next generation of inventors, leaders and innovators to learn and grow.  Where some budgets had to be cut, a group saw the need and picked up the ball and ran with it.  That's community.  We'll keep up with the MARS Rovers and see how they do as the competition unfolds this year.  We wish the team and the mentors the very best.  If you'd like to know more or maybe help the team out, click on the team photo above.  If you'd like to follow along with the work up to the moment, you can find the MARS Rovers 4004 Facebook page linked in the photo below!  Thanks to the team and mentors for having us out today!