NEW DELHI/KOCHI-In a significant recognition for India’s growing presence in the global robotics and STEM ecosystem, robotics expert Benson Thomas George has become the first Indian to be selected as a judge for the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Michiana Premier Event, one of the leading international robotics competitions held in the United States.
George, who hails from Kerala, served on the international judging panel for the FTC Michiana Premier Event held in South Bend, Indiana, from June 18 to June 21.
His appointment marks the first time an Indian has been inducted into the judging panel at one of the flagship events organized by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a globally renowned US-based non-profit organization promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The event brought together 106 student teams from multiple countries, with participants aged 12 to 18 showcasing innovations in robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering design and software development.
Expressing his delight over the recognition, George said the platform enables young innovators to gain practical exposure to cutting-edge technologies while encouraging them to develop solutions with real-world social impact.
Representing India on the international judging panel, he added, was both an honor and an opportunity to contribute to the global STEM community.
The judges evaluated teams on robot design, programming, engineering innovation, teamwork and community outreach.
The FIRST Tech Challenge is regarded as one of the world’s premier robotics competitions for school students, with participants eligible for scholarships at leading US universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pennsylvania. (IANS)
