May 17 – Troy Library Hosting Annual Robotics Demonstration Day
TROY, MI – Interested in Robotics? See a variety of Troy-based robotics teams show off their ingenuity and hard work at Troy Public Library’s (TPL) second annual Robotics Demonstration Day on May 17.
This year’s Robotics Demonstration Day is hosted concurrently with the MAYhem FIRST Tech Challenge, an off season event with 30+ regional robotics teams. This event allows teams to refine their robots from the 2024-2025 game challenges in a collaborative environment. The competition will run Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 from 9 am–5 pm. Local industry professionals will serve as judges and mentors, providing valuable feedback to participating teams. Attendees can observe the competition and also visit tables hosted by other Robotics teams, from Elementary through High School.
“Hosting Robotics Demonstration day with the MAYhem challenge is a great opportunity for those teams not participating in MAYhem to observe, learn and grow as well,” says Keegan Sulecki, Head of Youth Services at Troy Public Library. Additional teams not participating in MAYhem, including Elementary school teams, will have the opportunity to showcase their work during the Robotics Demonstration day hosted in the auxiliary gym at Troy High School from 10 am–1 pm on Saturday, May 17.
Last year, Robotics Demonstration Day included 21 teams and welcomed more than 600 members of the public. “We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout,” says Keegan Sulecki, Head of Youth Services. “It shows how important Robotics is in this community.” There are more than 50 robotics teams established in the Troy School District.
Robotics not only provides a first step into potential careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), it also helps them build skills such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.
The Troy Robotics Foundation (TRF) was established to provide support to robotics teams within our local community, aligning with the expanding programs in Troy. “MAYhem provides students the critical opportunity to experiment and learn without advancement pressure,” said Srinivas Simhan, President of the TRF Board. “It’s where failures become learning opportunities and the iterative design process truly comes alive, showcasing our commitment to STEAM while inspiring our community’s next generation of innovators. With a rich history spanning over 30 years of competitive robotics teams in Troy, we are thrilled to collaborate with the Troy Public Library to spotlight the STEAM opportunities that engage and grow our future leaders.” This partnership aims to not only showcase the achievements of these robotics teams but also to underscore the significance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
During competitions, teams are judged on demonstrating teamwork, community outreach, and clear concise communication and more. “We hope to continue to host Robotics Demonstration Day as a yearly event to help students showcase their hard work and creativity,” Sulecki says.
Robotics teams of all ages interested in having a table at this event must fill out this application by April 26. Teams already participating in MAYhem FIRST Tech Challenge do not need to apply.
This event takes place Saturday, May 17 from 10 am–1 pm at the Troy High School Auxiliary Gym. Registration is encouraged, but not required. This event is provided in partnership with the Troy Robotics Foundation.
Troy Public Library is located at 510 W. Big Beaver Rd., just northeast of City Hall. Visit troypl.org for more information or call 248.524.3538.
