DENSO continues strong commitment in 2017 to FIRST Robotics and STEM education

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – DENSO, a global automotive supplier with its North American headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, announces its 2017 commitment to FIRST Robotics. DENSO has backed FIRST, a program designed to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology, for more than 15 years through volunteer mentors, product and technology donations, and monetary funding. Since 2002, DENSO has donated more than $800,000 to FIRST Robotics.

DENSO announced its plans today as Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, Honorary Chair of the FIRST Championship Detroit Host Committee, and other Detroit leaders launched activities leading up to FIRST Championship Detroit in April 2018 at a press conference at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit.

DENSO, a Silver Level Supplier Sponsor of FIRST, has teamed up with its affiliate, ASMO North Carolina, to donate 22,000 window motors to student team build kits for the for 2016-2018 competition seasons. Students are challenged to use the window motor and other parts to build a robot that completes the challenge they’re given. DENSO’s motor can be used to spin wheels, or move parts or “joints” of the robot.

“Every FIRST Robotics team around the world will have a DENSO motor available to use on their champion robot,” said Doug Patton, executive vice president of Engineering at DENSO.  “DENSO donates its technology to help students get ’real-world’ hands-on experience. We want to engage students and get them excited about careers in engineering and technology.”

In 2017, DENSO is also sponsoring 25 teams throughout North America –

• 12 high school and 2 middles school teams in Southeast Michigan
• 6 teams in Battle Creek, Mich.
• 2 teams in Maryville, Tenn.
• 2 teams in Cedar Falls and Waterloo, Iowa
• 1 team in Dublin, Ohio

DENSO also sponsors the FIRST Robotics Southfield (Michigan), Lakeview (Michigan), Smoky Mountain (Tennessee) and Iowa regional competitions since they are held in the communities where DENSO is located.

FIRST Robotics has been compared to a varsity sport with hands-on training in science and technology to help students discover how rewarding a career in engineering or technology can be. STEM and mentoring programs like FIRST also give DENSO employees a chance to give back.

“One of the best things I get out of participating is watching when the kids understand and the lightbulb goes on” said Gary Held, DENSO senior design engineer and FIRST Robotics mentor.
“It’s a great opportunity to open kids up to hands-on learning about science, technology, engineering and math – some things that you might not get from regular classes.”

Participating in FIRST Robotics encourages students to pursue education and careers in STEM-related fields and inspires them to become leaders and innovators, and enhance their 21st century work-life skills.

About FIRST 
FIRSTwas founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. Based in Manchester, NH, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity designs accessible, innovative programs that motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills. High-school-aged teams compete head-to-head on a special playing field with robots they have designed, built, and programmed.

Under strict rules, limited resources, and the guidance of volunteer mentors including engineers, teachers, business professionals, parents, alumni and more, teams of 25+ students have just six weeks to build and program robots to perform challenging tasks against a field of competitors. They must also raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and perform community outreach. In addition to learning valuable STEM and life skills, participants are eligible to apply for $25+ million in college scholarships.