UNA named one of the new sites for national robotics competition

The University of North Alabama has been named the new home of the annual South’s BEST Robotics Competition.

18,000 Students Compete Nationwide

One of the nation’s premier national robotics competitions, 18,000 students from more than 850 middle and high schools participate at 50 local sites in 18 states. UNA is a regional location and the only one in Alabama.

Formerly held at Auburn University, the annual competition will take place this coming December.

“Being named the new home to the annual South’s BEST Robotics competition is a win for the University as well as our region,” said Dr. Ross Alexander, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.

What is BEST?

BEST, or Boosting Engineering Science and Technology, establishes the middle and high school curricula and competition standards used by robotics programs in the U.S. in order to compete in the annual competition. The mission of BEST is to engage and excite students about engineering, science and technology as well as to inspire them to pursue careers in these fields.

Alexander added, “We are extremely proud of the work that went into securing this event, and it is absolutely fitting that UNA, as Alabama’s Workforce Development University, would have the opportunity to showcase our engineering, computing, technology, and even marketing programs; as well as our beautiful campus for teams from around the country.”

Coming in December

Competitions will take place throughout the fall at high schools in the Southeast region. The winning teams will then bring their best designs to the regional competition at UNA in early December.

Previously, the South’s BEST Robotics competition had taken place at Auburn University.