Photo by Zach Bedee
By HANNAH NIEDERRITER
Student contributor
With the competition date for BEST Robotics rapidly approaching, local community members can be some of the most beneficial information sources Berry Botics can turn toward for inspiration and guidance. On Monday, Oct. 11, members of Cranberry High School’s BEST Robotics team were welcomed by employees of Matric Group in Seneca as part of the team’s community outreach.
Matric is a company primarily dedicated to the manufacturing of electronic parts and devices, though they also offer assistance in engineering and aftermarket maintenance. From circuit board assembly to the production of personal defibrillators, robotics is a key component to their success.
Upon arrival, students were divided into two groups prior to exploring the building’s facilities in tours led by Scott Means and Kirk Byerley. Ben Miller, the director of Aftermarket Services, and Wally Coxson, the director of Engineering, also offered insight into the world of manufacturing.
Zach Bedee, one of the advisors for BEST Robotics, stated, “We got to speak with individuals about the design and manufacturing of electronic circuit boards from the mundane to the lifesaving, and it was very interesting to learn that this is taking place in our own rural community. The tuition reimbursement offered by Matric for students who plan on pursuing a career with them is also noteworthy.”
Soon enough, the knowledge garnered from the team’s time at Matric will be put into practice when the competition commences on Friday, Oct. 22, at Grove City College.
Hannah Niederriter is a student at Cranberry High School and member of Cranberry Chronicles, the school’s journalism/publications class.
