Members of the Seneca Valley Robotics Team hosted an industry night to showcase state-of-the-art equipment and the experiences the team has had through competitions.

Students on the Seneca Valley Robotics Team, led by applied engineering and technology teacher Steve Fortunato, hosted several local business leaders for the first “Raider Robotics Industry Night.”

Students and guests from Penna Flame Industries, MSA and Harmony Castings visited the Seneca Valley Senior High School robotics lab last week for an inside look at its state-of-the-art equipment and to hear of the team’s experiences at robotics competitions.

“Having the opportunity to show off their hard work and accomplishments was important to the team, especially the seniors,” Fortunato said.

Although the students faced challenges with communication and the building process because of a virtual school environment earlier this school year, they managed to bring home medals in three competitions.

“We felt it was so valuable to share our successes with local businesses,” Fortunato said. “The students are able to make re5al-life connections and discuss how the tools, machinery and innovative technology they are learning is doing important work at places like Penna Flame Industries.”

Penna Flame Industries is a surface-hardening company in Zelienople that uses some of the same programs and machinery that students use in the lab.

Penna Flame’s vice president, Andrew Orr, said he was thrilled to visit his alma mater and see the strides that have taken place since he graduated in 2005.

“Seneca Valley now has amazing facilities and equipment for young adults to learn about robotics technology and engage with other students,” Orr said.

Much of the equipment used in the SV Robotics Lab was funded by the Seneca Valley Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the district dedicated to providing excellence in education for SV students.

“The foundation is so proud to have a hand in our students’ success in the robotics world and to see them building relationships with businesses in an ever-growing industry,” said Annie Mersing, foundation development director.

To learn more about SVF’s mission, support efforts and ways to help, visit www.svsd.net/SVF.

“Members of the Seneca Valley Robotics Team hosted an industry night to showcase state-of-the-art equipment and the experiences the team has had through competitions.”Submitted photo.