Hughes Network Systems is supporting the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) robotics competition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., the company announced March 25.
    The FIRST robotics competition aims to foster science and technology education for high school students as they build and program a robot to perform prescribed tasks against a field of competitors. Winners of the regional competitions will then participate in the FIRST championship in April.
    "Hughes is committed to helping students cultivate a deep interest in science and technology to nurture the next generation of engineers. The FIRST competition is the super bowl for these aspiring engineers, giving each team the real world challenge to design a functional robot, bring their vision to life and compete against their peers. These students are truly impressive and we are excited to be participating in this program once again."