TSI Semiconductors Supported Sierra College ‘Mechatronics’ Program
Robotics Team Earns Top Honors in World ‘RoboGames’
Roseville, CA: International semiconductor technology developer and production volume CMOS foundry company, TSI Semiconductors (TSI), was proud to support and sponsor the Sierra College Robotics Club, as they competed in the international, “RoboGames” – ultimately earning second place in the world’s largest robotics competition!
Held annually in San Mateo, California, “RoboGames” is considered the “Olympics of Robots”, allowing teams from around the world (including Brazil, Japan, Mexico, England, and others), to compete in over 50 different robot events (in categories such as “Combat Robots”, “Fire-Fighters”, “LEGO Bots”, “Walking Humanoids”, and more); fighting each other inside of a steel-reinforced arena. Besides encouraging fun, the competition is designed to strengthen and challenge participating students’ technical skills – such as precision motor control, electronics, and welding – as well as encourage teamwork, task prioritization, and meeting deadlines.
The Sierra College team competed in the 120-pound “Combat Robot” events. With mentoring by the Sierra College Mechatronics, Welding and Drafting departments, This year the Sierra College team competed for the first time in the “Fire-Fighting” event, in addition to the 120-pound “Combat Robot” event.
The Sierra College team earned second place worldwide wins with each robot – an unexpected and remarkable result for the inexperienced, six student team that had never before competed in the RoboGames. It is a source of particular pride for Club Advisor and Sierra College Professor Tony Osladil, especially as two of the team’s fights were against the #1 and #2 combat robots in the world.
“Everyone at ‘RoboGames’ has a passion for learning about, and applying, technology. Sharing knowledge with other like-minded builders is a lot of fun. Plus, the students are refining the skills that will allow them to have rewarding careers in the fields of electronics, electro-mechanical systems and metal fabrication.” states Osladil.
Sierra College’s Robotics Club operates within the “Mechatronics” program – the study of electronics, mechanics, and computer control, in one cohesive hands-on, project-based program. The field of mechatronics includes robotics, industrial automation, industrial process control, and electro-mechanical systems. The interactive, Mechatronics curriculum was developed, and continues to be supported by, TSI Semiconductors (TSI Semi) and other local industry; ensuring the curriculum includes up-to-date industrial skills and meets current employment technical demands. For example, TSI Semi annually donates industrial-quality lab equipment to the program, allowing for practical, hands-on training and “real world” applications.
TSI Semiconductors is also growing its relationship with the HackerLab, a community-based builder space offering selected students in the Robotics Club free membership to use their equipment at the Sierra College Rocklin facilities.
“TSI Semiconductors is very proud to support Sierra College’s Mechatronics program,” states Bruce Gray, TSI Semiconductor’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are thrilled, but not surprised, that the Mechatronics’ Robotics Team competed to top honors in the, ‘RoboGames’. The Mechatronics program works because it is a hands-on, highly-relevant program teaching more than simply math and science. It also teaches teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, and innovation. These are skills that TSI Semi values in its employees. And it is a significant reason why so many former Mechatronics students are now TSI Semi employees. Supporting Sierra College’s Mechatronics program is a terrific, community investment; and we congratulate the Robotics Team on its impressive, ‘RoboGames’ results!”
TSI Semiconductors employs 500+ people in Roseville, CA – fabricating eight-inch semiconductor wafers/products; providing an array of versatile process technologies, including analog/mixed-signal, deep-submicron, and high-voltage BCDMOS. TSI’s specialized foundry services include automotive-grade, high-voltage BCDMOS; and technology capabilities utilizing novel materials, structures, and devices. Video displaying a cross section of the plant’s operations may be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/207720492. TSI Semiconductors is the last semiconductor/manufacturing fabrication facility in Northern California – thus making the Sacramento Valley (especially South Placer County) more “Silicon Valley”, than “Silicon Valley”!
International semiconductor technology developer TSI Semiconductors (TSI), was proud to support and sponsor the Sierra College Robotics Club (Pictured here with Mechatronics Professor and Robotics Team Advisor Tony Osladil), as they competed in the international, “RoboGames” – ultimately earning second place in the world’s largest robotics competition! (Photo compliments of TSI Semiconductors).
TSI Semiconductors Corp. is a specialty analog and mixed-signal Trusted Foundry with ISO, Automotive and Industrial Class Certifications and offers state-of-the-art contract semiconductor foundry services at its world-class manufacturing location in Roseville, California. At its 8-inch fabrication plant in Roseville, Ca, TSI can manufacture products in a large array of versatile processes that include analog/mixed-signal, deep-submicron, high-voltage BCDMOS, and emerging-market solutions, using traditional and novel materials, structures and devices. Find out where tradition and innovation meet in one place at www.tsisemi.com.
Media Contact:
Scott Olsen, (916)789-4662
scott.olsen@tsisemi.com
