Festo Didactic and Dobot Robots Showcase the Next Generation of Mechatronics and Robotics Training at 2025 SkillsUSA Championships

Together, Festo and Dobot will showcase the impressive MecLab cobot station, designed for education and scientific research. It can accurately simulate various automation scenarios to provide immersive learning and research experiences, making it the ideal platform to explore AI, smart manufacturing, and other fields of study.

Mechatronics Two-Day Competition

More than 50 high school and college students compete in the mechatronics category each year. Contenders are tasked with building a mechatronics system using Festo’s factory simulated training equipment (the MecLab, MPS, Fluid Power, Industrial Controls, Mechanical and AC/DC systems). The MecLab challenges students to assemble, integrate and program components to create an automated system that’s capable of completing a specific task.

Exhibit Booth Features

Building C, Booth #844

Visit our exhibit booth to explore innovative learning systems that provide industry-approved education and training for advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 careers.

• MecLabs cobot station in partnership with Dobot Robotics
• Claw machine with prizes (500 custom designed stress balls!) - experiment with and learn from applications of innovative automation technology in a fun, interactive way.
• Robot collectors pin

“We’re working extremely hard to ensure that technical standards and best practices in industry are aligned with the curriculum and training needed to guide students down a pathway to compete here at SkillsUSA,” said Alyssa Evans, Festo Technical Support Engineer and SkillsUSA Mechatronics Technical Chair. “I look forward to being here every year because every year the competition gets stiffer.”

SkillsUSA Judges

The competitions of the SkillsUSA Championships are created and judged by industry to ensure that students are learning the real-world skills employers demand from entry-level professionals.

This year’s judging panel includes:

• KC Reynolds, ATC
• Jess King, ATC
• Nate Walls, Reletech
• Noah Catron, Reletech
• Rob Fisher, Reletech
• Shane Nelan, TechEd
• Mason Frady, SECT
• Brian Burgess, CTA
• Josh Whittington, Wiregrass Technical
• Brandon Bailey, Nissan
• Gabe Eady, Denso
• Chandler Duggan, Toyo Tires
• Chris Stevens, Dobot Robots
• Kenneth Bibb, Festo
• Francois-Xavier Belisle, Festo Canada

Winners of the 2024 and 2025 SkillsUSA competitions will compete for a coveted spot for one team to go on to the WorldSkills Championship in 2026.

Certification Opportunities @ SkillsUSA provided by Festo & NC3

Empowering Educators with Industry Certifications

As part of this year’s SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, Festo is proud to join NC3, Snap-on, and 3M in offering Train-the-Trainer sessions designed to equip educators with the certifications, tools, and professional development they need to prepare the workforce of tomorrow.

“Last year’s training was such a success that SkillsUSA not only invited NC3 back, but also expanded the offering,” said Lisa Marshall, Festo Program Manager at NC3. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for instructors—especially those attending SkillsUSA for the first time—to earn an industry-recognized certification at a significantly reduced cost while engaging with the nation’s top technical talent.”

Festo Training Schedule:

• Fundamentals of Industry 4.0
  Wednesday, June 25 | 8 AM – 12 PM
• Bionics4Education – Bionic Flower
  Thursday, June 26 | 8 AM – 5 PM (Lunch provided)

These training sessions offer hands-on instruction in Festo’s globally recognized certification programs and highlight the latest in STEM and smart manufacturing education. To attend Train-the-Trainer, individuals must be registered for the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference. Attendees must bring a laptop to access digital flip books and complete certification exams. If you need assistance registering for the National Leadership & Skills Conference, contact the SkillsUSA Customer Care Team at 844-875-4557.

To learn more, please contact the NC3 Festo Program Manager, Lisa Marshall: lisa.marshall@nc3.net

 

The National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) implements and sustains in-demand, portable, industry-recognized certifications built on national skill standards. Their Train-the-Trainer program is an important step toward enabling instructors from partner schools to implement and teach courses at their local school and certifies all instructors are delivering the same level of qualification. The Festo Industry 4.0 Certification Program (FICP) is a comprehensive certification that ensures students have the qualifying skills upon completion. Learn more at NC3.net

SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) is the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce and the ultimate recognition of excellence in career and technical education. Held in Atlanta each June, the NLSC is a week-long celebration of the skilled trades and the accomplishments of career-ready leaders from across the United States. The event brings together more than 17,500 attendees, including students, instructors, industry partners, government officials, administrators and more. The highlight of the NLSC is the SkillsUSA Championships, where more than 6,500 state champions compete for national gold, silver and bronze medals in 114 skilled and leadership competitions. Learn more at skillsusa.org