Since the opening of the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership in 2013, ‘Iolani School has developed a world-renowned robotics program, ‘IOBOTICS, which has received numerous national and international awards, competing at the highest level of competition for multiple teams at three levels. Awards include:
- FLL: Project Award (2x), Robot Design Award, Champion’s Award (2023)
- FTC: Rockwell Collins Innovation Award, State Champion Finalist (4x)
- FRC: Engineering Excellent Award, Industrial Design Award, Innovation in Control Award (2x), Chairman’s Award (2x), Engineering Inspiration Award, Einstein Field Award, Chairman’s Award Finalist Championship Award, Impact Award, Gracious Professionalism Award, with the highest placed finish of 46th at the world championship (2023)
The program currently consists of four levels of robotics course offerings and the opportunity for students to apply for an Advanced Independent Study research project at a level above the courses. In the Upper School, there are three full-time robotics teachers, and in the Lower School, there are two full-time faculty members who integrate robotics across the curriculum. The program currently occupies approximately 7,000 sq. ft. of the third floor of the Sullivan Center and includes industrial-grade CNC equipment such as lathes, milling machines, and a water jet.
A unique aspect of the FRC program is an initiative called IGNITE that fosters cultural connection and robotics program support for indigenous communities. In 2012 the team traveled to Rotorua, New Zealand, and worked with the Maori people, and in 2023 the team traveled to the Yukon, CA, and worked with the Yukon First Nations Education Directorate.
The next Director of Competition Robotics will oversee the teams on these three levels of competition. Each level has faculty or volunteer members of the adult team who lead in the specific areas of robotics development. The Director should possess excellent technical skills – an engineering or science background in most areas of robotics development, team leadership qualities, an interest in multiculturalism as it pertains to IGNITE, and a passion for teaching young people. The Director position does require after-school and weekend hours in addition to the ability to travel to state and national competitions. `Iolani School places the highest priority on the robotics programs and offers competitive pay and benefits.
Please contact Dr. Timothy Cottrell, ‘Iolani Head of School at tcottrell@iolani.org, if you are interested in the position and would like to receive detailed information about the role and responsibilities.