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HMMA Hosts Fourth Annual HIRE School Robotics Tournament To Promote STEM Education
The fourth annual Hyundai Initiative for Robotics Excellence (HIRE) School Robotics Tournament took place on February 6 and 7, 2025, at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) Training Center. This VEX IQ Robotics competition featured teams from Montgomery public, Autauga County, and Selma city schools. The event aims to foster interest in STEM education among students by engaging them in hands-on robotics activities.
In collaboration with Auburn University’s Southeastern Center of Robotics Education (SCORE), HMMA launched the HIRE program in 2019. The initiative seeks to establish robotics teams in local schools, nurturing a future workforce skilled in technology. "At HMMA, we know that studies show that robotics is one of the most effective and engaging ways to get young people interested in STEM," stated Scott Posey, Manager of Public Relations at HMMA.
The competition included various challenges such as skills trials, engineering notebook judging, qualifying matches, and championship matches. Engineering team members from HMMA and Montgomery Preparatory Academy For Career Technologies (MPACT) served as judges. Students from different regions competed over two days: Autauga and Selma on February 6, followed by Montgomery on February 7.
A total of 250 students participated: 120 from Montgomery, 80 from Autauga County, and 50 from Selma City public schools. Jamie Wilson, Interim Superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools, expressed enthusiasm about the event's impact. "It's great to see our students engaged... meeting other students across schools," said Wilson.
Jennifer Spencer, Assistant Director of SCORE, highlighted the growth in student participation and teacher confidence in using robotics. "Just to see the growth of those students over the years... is huge," she remarked. Damien Barnes from HMMA emphasized the evolving nature of car manufacturing and how today's students will shape its future.
HMMA has invested over $500,000 in local robotics education through multiple grants. This investment supports establishing robotics teams at local schools to cultivate a technically proficient workforce for the future.
Engagement with Industrial Robotics
During the tournament, students witnessed a demonstration of a Hyundai-owned Boston Dynamics SPOT robot. "About four years ago, Hyundai purchased Boston Dynamics," explained Scott Posey. The demonstration aimed to provide participants with hands-on experience with industrial robots alongside their creations.
{TABLE_X}The competition concluded with several awards recognizing outstanding achievements: Prattville Junior High School and Billingsley High School received Teamwork Champion Awards on February 6; Floyd Middle School and Carr Middle School were awarded on February 7. Other accolades included Design Awards for Pine Level Elementary School and McKee Middle School.
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama operates independently under Hyundai Motor Company based in Seoul, Korea. It produces models like Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson at its Montgomery facility. These vehicles are distributed across North America through more than 830 dealerships managed by Hyundai Motor America.
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