Penn College News

Penn College Hosting ‘S.W.O.R.D. Fights'

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

A Pennsylvania College of Technology student group is inviting community members to fight – with robots.

The Student Wildcats of Robotic Design club is hosting “S.W.O.R.D. Fights 3: Revenge of the Wedge” from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 8 in the college’s Field House. The competition encourages participants to design, fabricate and test “antweight” (1 pound) and “beetleweight” robots (3 pounds) before engaging in “combat.”



A scene from the “Fall Brawl” robotic competition at Penn College. The student organization S.W.O.R.D. has scheduled another event for April 8.The knockout-style tournament guarantees each robot at least three “fights.”

“We have students from a variety of majors involved in our S.W.O.R.D. club,” said David A. Probst, assistant professor of engineering design technology and co-adviser to the club. “The group provides a fun outlet for them to employ their technical expertise. Planning such an event also helps club members develop very important leadership skills.”

Approximately 20 Penn College students plan to compete in the event, and Probst anticipates at least 20 entries from throughout the state. The entry fee is $20 per robot. Non-monetary prizes will be awarded, and the club is raffling a Maker Select Plus 3-D printer.

Registration information and event rules are available at the S.W.O.R.D. webpage or by emailing the club.

Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development. For more information, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.