Quanser unleashes robots and unmanned vehicles for First Robotics high school team to promote careers in engineering

MARKHAM, ON, Dec. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Twenty high school students from two Markham area high schools will get to spend a morning with professional engineers experiencing innovative technology that could inspire them to choose exciting careers in engineering.

Quanser Inc., a leading engineering company dedicated to advancing engineering education and research, will host students from St. Robert Catholic High School and Saint Brother Andre Catholic High School at their headquarters in Markham on Friday, December 16^th, 2011 at 7:00 am.

"Our young visitors will get a chance to control robots and learn firsthand about what it is like to be an engineer," says Paul Gilbert, Quanser CEO. "The students will manipulate a driving simulator, interact with a robot used for remote surgical procedures, and control an unmanned ground vehicle as it completes a specific mission. They'll also have plenty of opportunities to mingle with Quanser engineers and ask questions about the technology or what it is like to be an engineer."

Both high schools will participate in the upcoming 2012 First Robotic Championships, with Quanser sponsoring the St. Robert student team. The student teams will have six weeks to design, build, and program a 140-pound robot to compete against other high school teams in a high stakes, no-holds barred, robotics competition solving real-world challenges. They will be aiming to earn a place in the World Championship competition this April in St. Louis, Missouri.

"FIRST Robotics Canada is proud to partner with companies like Quanser. Our mission is to inspire young people to pursue further studies and careers in the fields of science, technology and engineering.  Our vision is of a world which celebrates success in science, technology and engineering and in which young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes" says Mark Breadner, Executive Director, FIRST Robotics Canada.

The principal of St. Robert, Jennifer Sarna, also appreciates Quanser's involvement. "By opening their doors to us, Quanser is allowing our students to gain a hands-on understanding of what it means to be a professional engineer, working in a state of the art facility, as part of a company that prides itself on innovation and inspiration."

The robotics that the students will be getting their hands on is currently being used by more than 2000 universities worldwide to captivate and motivate engineering students and produce graduates and researchers with industry-relevant skills and a zest for innovation. The visiting students will gain insight in to how exciting an engineering career can be.

Quanser, recently voted Markham's "most innovative company" by the Markham Board of Trade, strongly supports outreach programs that encourage young minds to pursue math, science and engineering education.

About Quanser

Headquartered in Markham, Ontario, Canada, Quanser is dedicated to advancing engineering education and research. It is the world leader in the design and manufacture of advanced systems for real-time control for robotics, mechatronics, aerospace and structural engineering. With over 20 years of leadership in the field, Quanser control solutions and challenges are the first choice for thousands of universities and research laboratories around the world. For more information, visit www.quanser.com or call 1-905-940-3575.

About First Canada

FIRST stands for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology" and has a family of programs engaging children from age six to eighteen in science, technology, engineering, and math as well as promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity.  FIRST is an international non-profit organization designed to inspire students to further pursue studies and careers in science, engineering, computers and technology.  Students develop skills in problem solving, innovation, leadership and teamwork, as well as design, manufacturing, programming and testing.  FIRST's programs reach 250,000 students in 57 countries.  FIRST Robotics Canada, a Canadian non-profit started in 2002, now reaches approximately 7,000 Canadian students.   More information can be found at www.firstroboticscanada.org.

SOURCE Quanser Inc.