Festo Didactic and Dobot Robots Showcase the Next Generation of Mechatronics and Robotics Training at 2025 SkillsUSA Championships
June 18, 2025
Festo has provided state-of-the-art learning systems for SkillsUSA and WorldSkills mechatronics competitions around the world since 1991.
Festo Didactic is gearing up again for the annual SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia from June 23 – 27. In addition to sponsoring the mechatronics competition, Festo will join forces with certification entity NC3 and its industry partners for the third year in a row in the Exhibit Hall. Festo will also have a shared booth in Building C, Booth #844 with Dobot, one of the leading global providers of collaborative robots, and the creator of desktop-grade robotic arms.
Together, Festo and Dobot will showcase the impressive MecLab cobot station, designed for education and scientific research. It can accurately simulate various automation scenarios to provide immersive learning and research experiences, making it the ideal platform to explore AI, smart manufacturing, and other fields of study.
Mechatronics Two-Day Competition
More than 50 high school and college students compete in the mechatronics category each year. Contenders are tasked with building a mechatronics system using Festo’s factory simulated training equipment (the MecLab, MPS, Fluid Power, Industrial Controls, Mechanical and AC/DC systems). The MecLab challenges students to assemble, integrate and program components to create an automated system that’s capable of completing a specific task.
Exhibit Booth Features
Building C, Booth #844
Visit Festo’s exhibit booth to explore innovative learning systems that provide industry-approved education and training for advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 careers.
- MecLabs cobot station in partnership with Dobot Robotics
- Claw machine with prizes (500 custom designed stress balls!) – experiment with and learn from applications of innovative automation technology in a fun, interactive way.
- Robot collectors pin
“We’re working extremely hard to ensure that technical standards and best practices in industry are aligned with the curriculum and training needed to guide students down a pathway to compete here at SkillsUSA,” said Alyssa Evans, Festo Technical Support Engineer and SkillsUSA Mechatronics Technical Chair. “I look forward to being here every year because every year the competition gets stiffer.”
SkillsUSA Judges
The competitions of the SkillsUSA Championships are created and judged by industry to ensure that students are learning the real-world skills employers demand from entry-level professionals.
This year’s judging panel includes:
- KC Reynolds, ATC
- Jess King, ATC
- Nate Walls, Reletech
- Noah Catron, Reletech
- Rob Fisher, Reletech
- Shane Nelan, TechEd
- Mason Frady, SECT
- Brian Burgess, CTA
- Josh Whittington, Wiregrass Technical
- Brandon Bailey, Nissan
- Gabe Eady, Denso
- Chandler Duggan, Toyo Tires
- Chris Stevens, Dobot Robots
- Kenneth Bibb, Festo
- Francois-Xavier Belisle, Festo Canada
Winners of the 2024 and 2025 SkillsUSA competitions will compete for a coveted spot for one team to go on to the WorldSkills Championship in 2026.
Certification Opportunities @ SkillsUSA provided by Festo & NC3
Empowering Educators with Industry Certifications
As part of this year’s SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, Festo is proud to join NC3, Snap-on, and 3M in offering Train-the-Trainer sessions designed to equip educators with the certifications, tools, and professional development they need to prepare the workforce of tomorrow.
“Last year’s training was such a success that SkillsUSA not only invited NC3 back, but also expanded the offering,” said Lisa Marshall, Festo Program Manager at NC3. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for instructors—especially those attending SkillsUSA for the first time—to earn an industry-recognized certification at a significantly reduced cost while engaging with the nation’s top technical talent.”
Festo Didactic Training Schedule:
- Fundamentals of Industry 4.0
Wednesday, June 25 | 8 AM – 12 PM - Bionics4Education – Bionic Flower
Thursday, June 26 | 8 AM – 5 PM (Lunch provided)
These training sessions offer hands-on instruction in Festo’s globally recognized certification programs and highlight the latest in STEM and smart manufacturing education. To attend Train-the-Trainer, individuals must be registered for the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference. Attendees must bring a laptop to access digital flip books and complete certification exams. If you need assistance registering for the National Leadership & Skills Conference, contact the SkillsUSA Customer Care Team at 844-875-4557.
To learn more, please contact the NC3 Festo Program Manager, Lisa Marshall: lisa.marshall@nc3.net
The National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) implements and sustains in-demand, portable, industry-recognized certifications built on national skill standards. Their Train-the-Trainer program is an important step toward enabling instructors from partner schools to implement and teach courses at their local school and certifies all instructors are delivering the same level of qualification. The Festo Industry 4.0 Certification Program (FICP) is a comprehensive certification that ensures students have the qualifying skills upon completion. Learn more at NC3.net
SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) is the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce and the ultimate recognition of excellence in career and technical education. Held in Atlanta each June, the NLSC is a week-long celebration of the skilled trades and the accomplishments of career-ready leaders from across the United States. The event brings together more than 17,500 attendees, including students, instructors, industry partners, government officials, administrators and more. The highlight of the NLSC is the SkillsUSA Championships, where more than 6,500 state champions compete for national gold, silver and bronze medals in 114 skilled and leadership competitions. Learn more at skillsusa.org
Festo leverages its automation expertise to provide comprehensive industrial and technical education solutions. Festo Didactic is committed to providing educators and employers with the hands-on training, digital coursework and blended learning solutions needed to close the STEM skills gap. Festo Didactic’s lab equipment, curriculum and certification programs are thoughtfully designed to support various learning pathways and on-the-job training. With over 30,000+ certifications issued and 36,000 Festo-equipped educational institutions, Festo Didactic and its partners are preparing students and employees for the future of work. Learn more at Festo.com
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