KY Space Grant TP-22-037: Kentucky Organization of Robotics and Automation (KORA)

Exploring new frontiers and working on the cutting edge of space exploration fascinates people of all ages. Students at the University of Kentucky have worked together under previous support from NASA KY awards to create the Kentucky Organization of Robotics and Automation, or KORA. The student run organization creates an environment for undergraduate and graduate students to work together on multidisciplinary projects including a robot for the 2023 NASA Lunabotics Competition, full-scale robotic boat for the 2023 ASNE PEP Boat competition, and outreach projects to inspire Lexington youth to pursue careers in science and engineering. Partnership with KY First Robotics will enable KORA to showcase the robots in early February to a young audience while helping with the FTC State Championship. Many First Robotics participants are potential future engineering students. Working and communicating with current engineering students and the possibility to continue their passion for robotics at college level will widen the pipeline of high school students into engineering and specifically robotics. Aligning with NASA’s STEM engagement efforts, KORA’s educational robotics platform will be used to demonstrate high level robotics concepts to younger individuals and students. Club members will plan, build, organize and contribute to our nation’s science literacy through handson experience and partnership with KY First Robotics and help build a diverse future workforce by educating and informing university and high school students about robotics and NASA STEM objectives.