Nearly 50 students took over the Idaho Statehouse on Thursday morning to kickoff the 2016-17 robotics season. Gov. Butch Otter signed a proclamation declaring the week of Aug. 7-13 Idaho Youth Robotics Week.
“It is the goal of Idaho’s education system to provide students with the technologically-advanced skills that will create the greatest opportunities for their future,” Otter said. “These foundational high-tech skills are often best acquired through exposure to hands-on, real-world educational environments.”
Idaho’s top three robotic teams — High Voltage Couch Bananas, Beauty Bot and the Beasts and Team Tator — were recognized for their national and international level of robotic competition during the 2016 season.
![Robotics otter 2](https://www.idahoednews.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Robotics-otter-2-620x420.jpg)
Students build robots with combined technical skills, creativity and innovation to solve real world challenges in a competitive environment.
“This is something you don’t learn in the classroom,” said Makenna Doramus, a sophomore at Vision Charter School, and team member on Beauty Bot and the Beasts. “You learn how to be a professional and compete graciously.”
![Robotics otter 3](https://www.idahoednews.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Robotics-otter-3-620x396.jpg)
Robotics teams are supported by Idaho based tech-businesses, foundations and the Idaho STEM Action Center, a division of the Governor’s Office.
![Robotics otter 1](https://www.idahoednews.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Robotics-otter-1-620x328.jpg)