Igus donates kit of parts to more than 720 BEST teams EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – September 6, 2006 – The 14th annual BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) Robotics Competition kicks off this month at BEST hub locations nationwide.
This year’s competition marks the second year for igus Inc., the leading developer of Energy Chain Systems, Chainflex continuous-flex cable and iglide plastic bearings, as the sole nationwide product sponsor for the event.BEST Inc., a non-profit, volunteer organization, aims to inspire middle and high school students to pursue careers in engineering, science and technology through participation in science- and engineering-based robotics competition — an aspiration closely shared by igus.
Through its Y.E.S. (Young Engineers Support) Program, igus donates products to engineering curriculums and competitions such as BEST in order to foster the mechanical design ideas of students and educate them about the merits and benefits of plastic components.For the 2005 competition, igus supplied each BEST team with a consumable parts kit that included various machinery and motion control components.
This year, students will have the opportunity to use many of the same products, with some additions. This year’s kit includes:• E-Z Energy Chain® cable carriers; • DryLin N linear guide systems; • igubal flange, pillow block and rod end bearings; and • DryLin S aluminum shafting. BEST participants also will find one-page application examples in this year’s igus kit. The examples are designed to give the students a better understanding of how and where igus products are used. Examples range from farm equipment to meat conveyers to a student-manufactured ice-cutting machine.
“BEST Robotics is pleased to have igus on board as a national sponsor for the second year,” said Janne Ackerman, president of BEST. “At every event last season, it was easy to see how igus’ contribution heightened the caliber of the competition. The igus components created excitement among the participants by providing new design options and the opportunity to be even more creative. Igus and BEST share a common goal—to encourage a love of engineering and technology among students—and we look forward to working together toward that objective in the future.”
Student teams will unveil their finished robots at local events across the U.S. starting in October, with the best of the best advancing to one of three regional events in Ala., Ark. and Texas.
The only information made public about this year’s game challenge is a two-word teaser — “Laundry Quandary.” To ensure that each team begins the season on an even playing field, BEST will not announce the complete challenge until after all kick-off events have concluded in late September. To learn more about BEST Robotics, visit www.bestinc.org .
To learn more about the Y.E.S.
Program, go to www.igus.com/yesprogram
About igus
Igus Inc., founded in 1985 and based in East Providence, R.I., develops and manufactures industry-leading plastic cable carriers, continuous-flex cables, plastic bearings and linear guide systems. With more than 28,000 products available from stock, the company meets the motion control and machinery component needs of customers worldwide.
Product lines include Energy Chain Systems to protect and house moving cables, Chainflex continuous-flex cables, iglide self-lubricating, oil-free, plastic bearings, DryLin linear guide systems and igubal spherical bearings.