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Teens compete in robot competition

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WEST JORDAN, Utah -- Hundreds of teens from around the state got together to learn, create and explore in the name of technology and engineering.

Junior high and middle school students competed in the Technology Student Association  competition on Friday at the Jordan Campus of Salt Lake Community College.

Nearly 600 students in teams of six built and competed in various tech-related activities, from robotics, to animatronics, to electrical and structional engineering. Projects include robots climbing a ladder, picking up balls and putting them in bins.

"But there's always a competition  with another robot inside the arena. so it's a lot of fun to watch, the kids really get involved," said Mike Smoot, adviser for the Technology Student Association.

The competition isn't just about fun, but about encouraging students to get involved in engineering.

"It's great for the students to participate. There are leadership elements along with service along with the competition," said Smoot. "So it teaches the students a wide variety of things that will help them in their careers as they go into their futher education and their careers."

The winner of Friday's competition will go on to compete at the national level later this year.