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National Robotics Week 2013 and NASA to Take STEM Out of This World

More than 125 robotics-based events, demonstrations and workshops planned in 50 states to inspire the next generation of innovators in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

BEDFORD, Mass. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — March 18, 2013 — The fourth annual National Robotics Week, April 6-14, 2013, will bring together engineers, scientists, students and families to share a passion for technology and learning. Working with NASA and iRobot, the National Robotics Week Advisory Council will debut inspirational videos and content at events around the country in a push to excite the next generation of innovators about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). A NASA video featuring Bobak�erdowsi, NASA’s�Mohawk Guy” and flight director for Mars rover Curiosity, along with content focusing on other NASA role models will premiere at science centers, museums and robot events across the country.

Colin Angle, CEO and co-founder of iRobot, discusses robotics with students from the Boston area dur ...

Colin Angle, CEO and co-founder of iRobot, discusses robotics with students from the Boston area during National Robotics Week - Lipofsky Photography

More than 125 robot events across all 50 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico are planned by robotics industry leaders, institutions and universities, including iRobot, Stanford University, the Chicago Museum of Science & Industry, and Michigan Robotics. According to the STEMconnector’s 2012 annual report, “Where are the STEM Students? science and engineering occupations are expected to grow at double the rate (20.6 percent) of the overall United States labor force (10.1 percent) through 2018, making STEM education not just important for individual students but a critical path for the entire U.S. economy.

Examples of National Robotics Week events:

For events in your area or to list an event please visit: http://nationalroboticsweek.org/events.php

“National Robotics Week celebrates the many ways robots can improve our lives — they clean homes, protect our loved ones, save lives in hospitals and perform important research throughout the Universe,” said Colin Angle, chairman and CEO of iRobot. “iRobot is proud to have been a part of the National Robotics Week initiative from the beginning and is excited to find new ways to share our passion for technology with students and educators alike.”

Congress established National Robotics Week in 2010 to raise awareness about robots and their important role in shaping the future of education, industry and the U.S. economy. As a founding co-sponsor of National Robotics Week, iRobot actively promotes technology education through its own outreach initiatives, including Starter Programs for the Advancement of Robotics Knowledge (SPARK). SPARK uses the wonder and genius of robots to elevate K-12 students’ interest in STEM subjects.

For more information about National Robotics Week, go to: http://www.nationalroboticsweek.org/.

National Robotics Week is also on Twitter ( @roboweek and #roboweek) and Facebook ( facebook.com/roboweek).

About the National Robotics Week Advisory Council

The NRWAC’s goal is to recognize robotics technology as a pillar of 21st century American innovation, highlighting its growing importance in a wide variety of application areas and emphasizing its ability to inspire technology education.

The National Robotics Week Advisory Council is organized by iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT), along with a number of other companies, universities and organizations including: the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI); AUVSI Foundation; Autodesk; Boy Scouts of America, Bleeker the Rechargeable Dog, Carnegie Mellon University; Expo21XX; FIRST®(For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology); Georgia Institute Of Technology; Infamous Robotics; Instructables; King Features Syndicate, Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council; Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago; National Center for Manufacturing Sciences; National Girls Collaborative Project; Robotic Industries Association (RIA); RoboGames; Stanford Center for Internet and Society; The Tech Museum; University of Massachusetts Lowell; Worcester Polytechnic Institute.



Contact:

National Robotics Week Advisory Council
Media Relations
Matthew Lloyd, 781-430-3720
Email Contact
or
Alexander Lyall, 212-453-2147
Email Contact