In April, National Instruments announced it would continue its technology partnership with FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) through 2019 with a next-generation embedded robotics control platform code-named “Athena” for the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC®). The partnership aims to create more scientists and engineers by fostering students of all ages — from kindergarten through the end of high school — in programs that inspire not only technical innovation, but also communication and business skills.
Ray Hsu, Academic Program Manager for K-12 at National Instruments, says, “At NI, we invest in STEM in a variety of ways — philanthropic dollars, volunteers and mentors around the world — but I think one of the most successful ways we can invest in STEM is to invest in the R&D in making technology that are specific to education, and that can make math and science come to life.”