BGSU inspires future innovators through Falcon BEST robotics competition

The University will welcome more than 300 students from 15 high schools and community organizations for its Falcon BEST robotics competition 

For more than a decade, Bowling Green State University has helped students explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM fields, through its annual Falcon BEST – Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology – robotics competition. 

On Nov. 15, the University will welcome more than 300 students and supporters from 15 high schools and community organizations for the 13th annual competition, including five new teams – representing its largest growth since before the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’re thrilled to see the growth of Falcon BEST and the passion it inspires in students across the state,” said Wael Mokhtar, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering and Innovation. “Bowling Green’s engineering programs have expanded rapidly in recent years, and initiatives like Falcon BEST are key to showing young people the possibilities that come with an engineering education.” 

As the only competition of its kind in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, Falcon BEST is the culmination of an eight-week program in which teams design, construct and test their robots.  

Falcon BEST helps foster students’ interest in numerous high-demand careers, creating a pipeline of students eager to pursue degrees in emerging technological fields. In addition to improving their technical skills in engineering, Falcon BEST helps students enhance their collaboration and problem-solving skills. 

“Falcon BEST is designed as a problem-based learning environment,” said Kari Wilson, Falcon BEST program coordinator. “While the main problem-solving challenge is centered around building and programming a robot to perform various tasks, there are numerous other skills incorporated into the competition that highlight careers in business, marketing, technology and more.” 

This year’s competition challenges teams to build and program robots capable of developing and training an artificial intelligence system, reflecting real-world applications as AI is increasingly integrated across industries. 

The focus on artificial intelligence reflects a growing shift in industry and education. BGSU recently became the first university in the nation to launch a customizable AI + X bachelor’s degree, allowing students to integrate AI with six fields of study.  

Bowling Green is also continuing to invest in its engineering programs as it prepares to open a new state-of-the-art Technology Engineering Innovation Center that includes seven specialty engineering and robotics labs. 

Each participating school was provided identical kits of equipment and parts, game rules, and has eight weeks to design, build and test their robot. 

BGSU faculty, local industry engineers and technical professionals mentor and guide students through the design and construction of the robot. Students in the University’s engineering programs also provide virtual support to the teams. 

Leading up to the competition, teams participated in a kick-off and practice day held at the Innovation Lab in Kokosing Hall, where BGSU faculty and students were on hand to help teams troubleshoot. The all-day competition is held at the Stroh Center.