American scouts

Sponsors for interactive robotics station

The Automation Federation (AF) has announced that Rockwell Automation and Rockwell Collins will participate in the AF Technology Quest exhibit at the 2010 Boy Scout Jamboree, which will be held from 26 July to 4 August 2010, at Fort A.P. Hill, (VA US). This historic event will celebrate the “100th Year of Scouting in America” and will attract more than 250,000 Scouts per day.

Technology Quest is an exhibit area at the Jamboree where Scouts will take part in a variety of science-related activities on a daily basis. The Scouts, traveling from all over the United States, will learn about the importance of math and science in education and for possible careers in automation, including those in engineering and technology.

The Automation Federation was selected in March by the Boy Scouts of America to be a Technology Partner at the 2010 National Boy Scout Jamboree. The purpose of the Automation Federation exhibit is to challenge the imaginations of the Scouts and allow them to explore the wide variety of careers that await them in the automation profession.

To aid in this effort, Rockwell Automation and Rockwell Collins will present a FIRST® interactive station where Scouts will have the opportunity to take part in hands-on robotics demonstrations that will give them insight into a variety of automation careers. In honor of the event, Rockwell Automation and Rockwell Collins will also provide staff who are Eagle Scouts or are current Scout Leaders to interact with the Scouts at the exhibit.

Leo Staples, co-chair for the Automation Federation planning committee for this exhibit, said, “I am pleased that Rockwell Automation and Rockwell Collins will play an important part in the Automation Federation Technology Quest Exhibit. Both companies have consistently shown their support for educational opportunities that support the goal of advocating the importance of math and science to students. We welcome and value their participation and what they will bring to our exhibit and our workforce development initiatives.”

Rockwell Automation Chairman and CEO, Keith Nosbusch, said, “I commend the Automation Federation for their insight and leadership in stepping forward to participate in this important Scouting event and, more importantly, for the opportunity it gives our profession to lay the groundwork for building the next generation of automation technicians and engineers.”

“The Scouts will experience hands-on activities that will be fun and educational at the same time,” said Rockwell Collins Chairman, President, and CEO, Clay Jones. “This formula is a proven winner when it comes to getting kids engaged in learning about technology and high tech careers.”