Penn College

Penn College holding knockout-style robot battle tournament April 8

A scene from the “Fall Brawl” robotic competition at Penn College. The student organization S.W.O.R.D. has scheduled another tournament for April 8. Credit: Pennsylvania College of Technology / Penn State. Creative Commons

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – A Pennsylvania College of Technology student group is inviting community members to fight — with robots.

The Student Wildcats of Robotic Design club is hosting “S.W.O.R.D. Fights 3: Revenge of the Wedge” from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 8 in the Penn College Field House. The competition encourages participants to design, fabricate and test “antweight” (1 pound) and “beetleweight” robots (3 pounds) before engaging in “combat.”

The knockout-style tournament guarantees each robot at least three “fights.”

“We have students from a variety of majors involved in our S.W.O.R.D. club,” said David A. Probst, assistant professor of engineering technology and co-adviser to the club. “The group provides a fun outlet for them to employ their technical expertise. Planning such an event also helps club members develop very important leadership skills.”

Approximately 20 Penn College students plan to compete in the event, and Probst anticipates at least 20 entries from throughout the state. The entry fee is $20 per robot. Non-monetary prizes will be awarded, and the club is raffling a Maker Select Plus 3-D printer.

Registration information and event rules are available at www.pctsword.club or by emailing sword@pct.edu.

Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development. For more information, go to www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.

Last Updated March 28, 2017