North Central Missouri College Robotic’s Team heading to National Competition

SAVANNAH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Josie Sigars and Connor Hershely from North Central Missouri College's student robotics team will compete in the national event in Atlanta, Georgia, this June.

The team advanced to nationals by earning first place at the Missouri SkillsUSA State Leadership Award Ceremony, held at the State Technical College of Missouri in Linn on April 11.

In these competitions, teams of two program or work with machines to perform tasks. The skills developed in the classroom and through these events help students prepare for careers in automation, assembly line work, or maintenance.

The college said participants use industry-standard best practices. Teams integrated a six-axis industrial robot with peripherals like PLCs, motorized components, and sensors.

For their coach and instructor, Rick Sharp, who has over 20 years of experience in teaching robotics, the sky is the limit for students in his program.

Sharp noted, "There are many paths in automation. Not everyone becomes a robotic programmer, but students can pursue PLC programming, starter electrician roles, or various maintenance positions."

On April 3, the NCMC Savannah Campus hosted a SkillsUSA Robotics State competition. These competitions assist students in "applying advanced technical knowledge, problem-solving ability, and teamwork in a simulated industrial environment," according to NCMC.

This can be seen as the beginning of the robotics competition circuit.

Programs offered at NCMC's Savannah campus help local students receive a quality education while staying close to home. For example, Hershely is from the Savannah area, and Sigars is from St. Joseph, showing how these opportunities benefit nearby students attending nationals.

For Hershely, Sharp is one of the main reasons why he decided to stay in Savannah to continue his education at NCMC.

Hershely explained, "When I learned summer classes were offered, I applied to this interesting program. At some point, Mr. Sharp invited me to his office and proposed a robotics project. I agreed, and it turned out to be a positive experience."

Sigars also found NCMC's program worthwhile.

Sigars shared, "Mr. Sharp has been an exceptional mentor. When I started here, the first class I took was a requirement for my associate's degree. Originally, I considered law school, but being in his class encouraged me to pursue this new direction."

Sharp is thrilled to see his students succeed and find promise in the field.

"I think they've taught me more patience. I think they've taught me and surprised me with their skills and what they achieve," Sharp said.

Also, during the Missouri SkillsUSA State Leadership Award Ceremony, NCMC's Lucas Berning and Haden Wright placed third. For more news from North Central Missouri College, click here.