Pittsburgh, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2012 -- FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a non-profit organization that designs accessible, innovative programs which inspire young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, engineering, technology, and math while building self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills.

Seegrid awarded Angelina Conti, high school student at Collegiate Academy in Erie, PA, an academic scholarship at the FIRST Robotics Pittsburgh competition. The competition was held at The Petersen Events Center March 8th-10th.

“Seegrid is honored to award Conti with an academic scholarship. We were impressed with her passion for robotics, along with her extensive community involvement. We wish Conti the best as she prepares for a career in aerospace engineer,” stated David Noble, Seegrid’s Director of Sales and Marketing.

The FIRST competition is held over a three day period where high school students compete in a robotics tournament. This year the tournament was a basketball game. The teams are only given six weeks to design, construct, and program their robots from a common kits part and typically weigh up to 150lbs. With such a short time frame, students are exposed to real life challenges that engineers face on a daily basis. Students must also raise the money on their own by reaching out to their communities and local businesses.

From this event in Pittsburgh, 3 teams will go on to the national level in St. Louis where they will compete with teams from around the country. This event gives students the hands-on experience they will need to further their education in engineering/robotics. Each team is coached and mentored by local engineers as well as local engineering/robotic students from the area colleges/universities.

Chuck Hall, representing the Office of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, spoke during the Opening Ceremony on Saturday March 10th. He mentioned how automation in warehouses improves business.

About Seegrid
Founded in 2003, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Seegrid Corp. (http://www.seegrid.com) brings robotic vision-guided technology to the material handling industry. With more than thirty years of innovation and research by the leading robotic scientists, engineers, programmers and logistics practitioners worldwide, Seegrid’s exclusive Robotic Industrial Trucks are revolutionizing the movement of materials in manufacturing and distribution environments. Seegrid’s technology transforms industrial vehicles into un-manned, automated pallet trucks and tow tractors that operate without the need for wire, tape, laser or other costly automated guided vehicle (AGV) guidance systems. Seegrid offers solutions that optimize workflow processes by increasing productivity and reducing costs, creating economic and operational advantages. Scott Friedman, Co-Founder and CEO of Seegrid, started the company with a clear mission: taking the driver off a forklift would be safer and save money. Seegrid is now poised as a leader in the $38 billion forklift market.

About FIRST
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from three out of every five Fortune 500 companies and more than $14 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition.