About the NRL Colorado
The National Robotics League Colorado (NRL Colorado) is a manufacturing workforce development program of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) where students design and build remote controlled robots (Bots) to face-off in a gladiator-style competition. Through the manufacturing process of Bot building, students’ imaginations are captured as they design, build and compete with their own robotic creations. Through this hands-on effort along with industry partnerships, students gain practical knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) – all essential skills for manufacturing.
By formalizing ties between schools or youth organizations and manufacturing partners, students gain a better understanding and become enthusiastic about the career possibilities in manufacturing. Also, manufacturers are able to build valuable industry-school connections and workforce talent pipelines by helping competitors engineer a lean, mean, fighting machine. In other words, everybody wins.
How is the NRL Colorado Unique?
- NRL Colorado is a job-driven, project-based STEM learning experience that was created by industry to solve its biggest issue – recruiting a future workforce by “Engaging Manufacturing’s Next Generation!”
- Designing, building and testing a combat Bot is a fascinating real-world professional manufacturing experience.
- Students learn the technical and critical thinking skills needed for the manufacturing jobs of today and tomorrow.
- Participating schools create relationships with local manufacturing companies to serve as their industry advisor.
- The NRL is the smart sport where all participants have the potential for a career in manufacturing.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide exciting, hands-on experiential STEM learning experiences through business/education partnerships that will spark interest and build the current and future workforce needed by the manufacturing industry.
Our Vision
Our vision is for every student in the United States to understand, explore and consider manufacturing as a viable career option through creative and real-life experiences.
Rocky Mountain Tooling & Machining Association
The Rocky Mountain Tooling & Machining Association formed Colorado NRL in 2018 with the first competition kicking off in 2019. With 4 teams participating in 2019, 9 teams in 2020, and 11 teams in 2022; the association is excited to see this event grow in the coming years. This event is always held in the spring each year. If you would like more information about the 2022-2023 event, please contact us at: NRLcolorado@rmtma.org
Thank you to our Program Supporter!
