Why do teams voluntarily do FIRST without adult technical mentors?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Oz,
I have to agree with Andy on this one. My son just graduated from Bradley with an ME degree. I can tell you that not only did he have classes in robotics, but there was an entire section of the floor dedicated to robotic design and function. Manufacturing, particularly automobile building, makes extensive use of robotic devices from material handling to painting.

To DB213 Parent, listening and observing are two very real ways to judge how much to get involved. Your students will show and tell when they need help, are frustrated, tired or out of ideas. If you run into a situation where you need assistance please come here to CD to get your questions answered. I will help on anything electrical, and the other mentors who write here will help with mechanical, software, even team dynamics. You can't get a better source for info than right here. Be assured that when you are at competition, you can turn to us for help as well. Just ask.