March 23, 2020 - A promotion from Blaser Swisslube, Goshen, New York, challenged U.S. manufacturers to test a Blaser metalworking fluid or to share a user experience to raise funds for the National Robotics League (NRL). The 2019 year-end offer raised $2,000 for the workforce development program.
“Like all growing companies, we are in need of and competing for new talent,” said Carsten Witthuser, managing director of Blaser Swisslube Americas. “Supporting the NRL is another way for us to be proactive and encourage the next generation in manufacturing.”
NRL is a program of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) to promote STEM skills for manufacturing by organizing student teams to design and build remote-controlled robots to face-off in gladiator-style competition. The program is supported by individual volunteers and donations from companies like Blaser Swisslube.
“This is a fun and hands-on way to create excitement about technology careers,” said Roger Atkins, president of NTMA. “It engages young people while teaching critical skills we need in our future workforce. We appreciate all of the support for NRL from the NTMA membership.”
The NRL 2020 National Championship takes place May 15-16 at the California University of Pennsylvania.
Related Glossary Terms
- metalworking
metalworking
Any manufacturing process in which metal is processed or machined such that the workpiece is given a new shape. Broadly defined, the term includes processes such as design and layout, heat-treating, material handling and inspection.
- robotics
robotics
Discipline involving self-actuating and self-operating devices. Robots frequently imitate human capabilities, including the ability to manipulate physical objects while evaluating and reacting appropriately to various stimuli. See industrial robot; robot.