Sigma Labs Inc (SASI)

[Windbag1014]

My son is in a program called FTC. It is a global robotics competition. Their club has two plastics 3D printers. He has used a 3D printer, Parametric and Autodesk since he was in junior high. He programs the robot for autonomous and tele-op tasks. There are clubs all over the world that are basically doing the same. Jr. FLL is a program for 6-10 year olds. They learn programing and problem solving using Lego robots. The program was started by Dean Kamen, the Segway guy.

The FIRST organization will offer $80 million in scholarships this year.

Autonomous machines are coming. 3D printing is coming. I have even told my son that he needs to make some of his CAD designs available for sale on the internet.

https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/ftc

Founded in 1989 and based in Manchester, NH, FIRST is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity designed to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology, and to motivate them to pursue education and career opportunities in STEM fields.
Global Reach*  
530,000+ students
61,000 teams
44,900+ robots created
150,000+ mentor/coach/adult supporter roles filled
250,000+ volunteer roles filled
*for the 2017-2018 season 
2018 FIRST Robotics Competition
3,660 teams
91,000+ participants (Ages 14-18; Grades 9-12)
2017-2018 FIRST Tech Challenge 
6,000 teams
60,000 participants (Ages 12-18; Grades 7-12)
2017-2018 FIRST LEGO League
35,200+ teams
280,000+ participants (Ages 9-16*; Grades 4-8)
Representing 95+ countries
*Ages vary by country
2017-2018 FIRST LEGO League Jr.
16,500+ teams
99,000+ participants (Grades K-4)
2018 FIRST Scholarship Program
$80 million in college scholarships
2,000 individual scholarship opportunities
Nearly 200 scholarship providers