Kuka Robotics Corp., a manufacturer of industrial robots, is sponsoring an educational project modeled after the popular TV show "American Chopper." The Mini-Chopper Build program is part of an annual event put on by Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wis. It is designed to expose high-school students to high-tech manufacturing.
"We're pleased to offer students a chance to advance their knowledge, and hopefully encourage them to continue their technical training beyond high school," says Mike Cattelino, an associate dean at the college.
The program challenges high-school students to design and build a mini-chopper using techniques such as computeraided design, welding, grinding, and painting. The project, open to high-school juniors and seniors, exposes teams to industrial engineering, mechanical design, machine-tool technology, and electronics.