Speaker Introductions:
Dean Kamen, prolific inventor, entrepreneur, and advocate for science and technology, was introduced as the final keynote speaker. His contributions to FIRST Robotics and his mission to inspire people in STEM were highlighted.

FIRST Robotics Program:
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics is a revolutionary program founded by Dean Kamen. It promotes STEAM education, hands-on experience, and 21st-century skills, elevating them to the level of sports and extracurricular activities in the United States. FIRST Robotics engages students worldwide, providing them with opportunities for learning, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Impact of FIRST Robotics:
FIRST Robotics is more than just a robotics program; it’s a transformative experience for students. It teaches them humility, hard work, collaboration, and perseverance. FIRST Robotics is a pathway to engineering and technology careers, breaking down cultural barriers and empowering students from diverse backgrounds. It inspires students to pursue higher education and become the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

Dean Kamen’s Passion for FIRST:
Dean Kamen expressed his emotional connection to FIRST Robotics, emphasizing the truth behind the powerful words in the introductory video. He acknowledged the program’s impact in changing lives and the world.

Request for Background Information:
The host requested Dean Kamen to provide an overview of the history, success, and international impact of FIRST Robotics, including its significance for young people, women, minorities, and its remarkable achievements in the Middle East.

Innovation and FIRST Robotics:
The host mentioned the connection between FIRST Robotics and innovation, highlighting the importance of fostering creativity and problem-solving skills in young people.

Seeing the Problem Differently:
Dean Kamen recognized the issue of declining interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among students. He proposed a cultural shift rather than blaming teachers and schools.

Media and Sports Obsession:
Kamen pointed out the dominating influence of media and sports in American culture. He emphasized the need to create a similar passion for STEM as sports.

Creating a Sport of STEM:
Kamen’s goal was to transform STEM into a sport, inspiring kids to pursue excellence in these fields. He believed that kids need to see superstars of technology to be motivated.

Engaging Companies and Mentors:
Kamen reached out to companies and CEOs to find enthusiastic scientists and engineers as mentors. These mentors would inspire kids and show them the excitement and fun in STEM.

The FIRST Robotics Competition:
Kamen introduced the FIRST Robotics Competition, a program that uses robots to engage students in STEM. The focus was on using robots to build kids, not just building robots. The program emphasized hands-on learning, creativity, and teamwork.

Replacing Quizzes with Trophies:
Kamen highlighted the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment for learning. He advocated for replacing quizzes and tests with trophies and celebrations. This approach aimed to foster passion and a sense of accomplishment.

Industry Collaboration and Scholarships:
Over time, the FIRST Robotics Competition grew, attracting thousands of schools and mentors. Companies provided scholarships to outstanding students, encouraging them to pursue STEM careers.

Success and Impact:
The FIRST Robotics Competition has become a global initiative, reaching over 80,000 schools and 200,000 mentors. It has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships and inspired countless students to pursue STEM.

Kamen’s Passion for FIRST:
Dean Kamen emphasizes the excitement and accessibility of FIRST, a robotics competition for students, comparing it to traditional sports. He highlights the transformative power of FIRST in inspiring kids to pursue STEM fields and develop strong bonds with teachers and community leaders. Kamen expresses his gratitude to governors who have helped spread the word about FIRST and encourages them to continue supporting the program.

FIRST’s Accessibility and Low Cost:
Kamen emphasizes the low cost of FIRST compared to other sports, making it more accessible to schools with limited resources. He stresses the importance of celebrating the power of knowledge, particularly in STEM subjects, to encourage kids to embrace these fields.

Kamen’s Empathy for Young People:
The speaker acknowledges Dean Kamen’s empathy for young people who may not excel in traditional sports but have a passion for science and technology. Kamen’s own educational journey is mentioned, hinting at his challenges in junior high and high school.

Kamen’s Accomplishments and Comparison to Thomas Edison:
The speaker highlights Kamen’s remarkable achievement of over 1,000 patents, placing him among the most prolific inventors in the United States. Kamen is compared to Thomas Edison, another renowned inventor who also faced difficulties in traditional schooling.

Learning Challenges:
Dean Kamen struggled with school due to dyslexia, causing him to learn slowly and have trouble understanding concepts quickly.

Tools vs. Application:
Kamen criticizes traditional education for providing tools (knowledge) without teaching how to apply them practically.

Building Things:
Kamen’s interest in building things led him to develop devices in his parents’ basement to help his brother, a pediatric oncologist, deliver precise drug treatments to babies with cancer.

Insulin Pump Innovation:
One of Kamen’s inventions, a battery-operated device for delivering insulin, became the foundation of the insulin pump industry.

Expanding Medical Innovations:
Kamen’s company eventually expanded into creating dialysis systems, home dialysis systems, stents, artificial organs, and other medical devices.

Creative Problem-Solving:
Kamen encourages unconventional thinking and looking for answers beyond the standard options, even if it means challenging established norms.

Excitement of Discovery:
Kamen emphasizes the importance of excitement and novelty in learning and innovation, comparing it to the thrill of playing a sport without knowing the outcome.

Practical Application:
Kamen believes that practical application and hands-on experience are crucial for effective learning, as seen in the lack of assembly instructions for FIRST Robotics kits.

Making Life Better:
Kamen’s goal is to use his engineering skills to solve old problems in new ways, improving people’s lives and addressing unmet needs.

Introduction of ARMI:
Dean Kamen established a not-for-profit organization called ARMI (Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute) to explore the application of advanced engineering capabilities in the manufacturing of replacement human organs.

Addressing the Organ Shortage:
Kamen highlights the urgent need to address the shortage of organs for transplant, with over 400,000 people waiting for organs and many dying while on waiting lists.

Industrial-Scale Manufacturing of Organs:
Kamen emphasizes the importance of bringing industrial-scale manufacturing to the field of regenerative medicine to translate scientific advancements into practical solutions.

Success at ARMI:
In just a few years of operation, ARMI has developed a closed-system production line that can generate high-quality bone segments within 45 days from induced pluripotent stem cells.

Future Prospects:
Kamen envisions the creation of replacement kidneys, livers, lungs, islet cells, beta cells for diabetes, and neurons through this advanced manufacturing process.

Embracing Change and Technology:
Kamen stresses the need for individuals, especially children, to embrace change and technology to pursue careers in engineering and mathematics.

FIRST Robotics as Inspiration:
Kamen describes FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) as a successful initiative that engages students in technology and engineering through exciting competitions.

Benefits of FIRST:
FIRST not only ignites passion for technology in students but also offers them career opportunities, instills confidence in parents, and fosters enthusiasm for learning among teachers.

Industry Involvement in FIRST:
Industry professionals participating in FIRST witness the emergence of their future employees and customers, creating a sense of excitement and inspiration.

ARMI’s Impact on DEKA’s Recruitment:
Kamen notes that DEKA, his company, increasingly recruits engineers who are alumni of FIRST teams, demonstrating the organization’s success in nurturing talent.

Growth of FIRST:
FIRST has grown exponentially over the years, now boasting over a million members, and it continues to inspire and educate young minds.

Life-Saving Inventions and Innovations:
Dean Kamen’s work has focused on saving lives and improving human health. He revolutionized the dialysis industry, saving countless lives. Currently, he is working on developing human organs and providing clean water to underserved areas.

Addressing the IV Bag Shortage:
Kamen’s team is developing a device to produce medical-grade water for IV solutions in hospitals. This innovation aims to address the potential shortage of IV bags and solutions. The device uses a vapor compression distillation system to create medical-grade water from any water source.

Art and Family Connections:
Kamen’s father was an accomplished artist and art director. His father created artwork for Kamen’s projects, including a painting of the Segway launch. Kamen values and displays his father’s artwork in his office and home.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Program:
Kamen founded FIRST to inspire students in science, technology, and engineering. The program started with high school robotics competitions. Recognizing the need for younger students, Kamen partnered with LEGO to create LEGO League. LEGO League kits provide a foundation for younger students interested in engineering and robotics.

Expanding FIRST’s Reach:
FIRST now includes programs for elementary school, junior high, and high school students. The program has tens of thousands of teams worldwide. Kamen encourages districts without FIRST programs to get involved and inspire students.

Origins of FIRST Tech Challenge:
To bridge the gap between FIRST LEGO League and high school robotics, FIRST created FIRST Tech Challenge. It offers a self-contained kit similar to LEGO, eliminating the need for advanced equipment. This program is accessible to schools with limited resources.

Expansion of FIRST Programs:
FIRST LEGO League Junior was created for younger children aged four to six. It provides a baseline kit without a computer, making it accessible for early learners. Now, FIRST offers programs for every age group, from pre-school to college.

Grassroots Growth:
FIRST teams are often initiated by passionate individuals, such as teachers, parents, or industry professionals. Starting a FIRST team typically begins with one or two passionate individuals spreading awareness within their community. Teams can originate as clubs or structured activities within schools.

Regional Events and Championships:
Prior to the pandemic, FIRST held 180 regional events, culminating in two championship events. Each regional event hosted 20 to 30 teams, with the championships attracting 1,000 teams and 50,000 attendees. The diverse origins of FIRST teams reflect the grassroots nature of the program.

FIRST’s Response to COVID-19:
FIRST has shifted to online events and virtual competitions to continue education and inspiration amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborations with tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Apple, and Qualcomm are underway to create real and fast online FIRST events.

FIRST’s Online Environment:
Online versions of FIRST events will maintain the ethos of cooperation, alliances, and building up rather than tearing down. Mentors will play a crucial role in engaging more kids and enhancing their involvement. FIRST aims to create a strong online component that will continue to grow and attract more resources even after the pandemic.

Challenge to North Dakota Schools:
Dean Kamen urges North Dakota schools to embrace FIRST as a fun, inspirational, and aspirational activity for every kid. He encourages schools to contact the tech-savvy governor and request support for FIRST programs. With the governor’s backing, each school could find dedicated teachers, mentors, and parents to champion FIRST.

FIRST’s Transformative Impact:
FIRST has a profound and lasting positive impact on schools that adopt it. Longitudinal studies demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in developing skills and fostering career paths. FIRST is not just for nerds; it involves a diverse range of students, including those in marketing, fundraising, and even patent-filing teams.

Background:
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded by Dean Kamen to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The organization runs robotics competitions for high school students, where teams design, build, and program robots to compete in various challenges.

Impact Studies:
A three-year longitudinal study commissioned by the Ford Foundation and conducted by Brandeis University found that FIRST has a significant impact on students. The study compared FIRST participants with non-participants in terms of dropout rates, college enrollment, and career choices. The study found that FIRST participants had higher graduation rates, were more likely to pursue STEM careers, and had a greater understanding of STEM concepts.

Benefits of FIRST:
FIRST helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. The program also promotes creativity, innovation, and perseverance. FIRST creates a sense of community among students, mentors, and volunteers.

Role of FIRST in Community Development:
FIRST can help communities create a strong STEM workforce. The program can also attract and retain young people in rural and economically disadvantaged areas. FIRST can help communities build a positive and supportive environment for STEM education.

Creating a Critical Mass of STEM Skills:
Dean Kamen emphasizes the importance of creating a critical mass of STEM skills in a community. This can be achieved by encouraging more students to pursue STEM careers and by creating opportunities for them to use their skills in the workforce.

The Future of FIRST:
FIRST is expanding its reach to include more students from underserved communities. The organization is also working to develop new programs and resources to support STEM education. FIRST is committed to continuing its mission of inspiring young people to pursue STEM careers.

Story of Team Hope:
FIRST Global held an international robotics competition in Dubai, with 191 countries participating. Among the teams was Team Hope, consisting of seven kids from a refugee camp in Syria who had no country but shared a common aspiration. By the third day of the competition, Team Hope reached the finals, showcasing their exceptional skills and determination.

Israel and Team Hope:
In the final match, Team Hope faced a team from Israel, creating a tense atmosphere due to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Despite the political tensions, the kids from both teams spontaneously embraced each other after the match, setting an example of unity and cooperation.

FIRST’s Significance:
FIRST is not solely about robots; it emphasizes the development of values necessary to address global challenges. FIRST teaches kids to prioritize collaboration, communication, and problem-solving, irrespective of differences in language, culture, or religion. FIRST equips the next generation with the skills and mindset to address pressing issues like climate change, water access, cybersecurity, and healthcare.

Passion in Education:
FIRST ignites passion in kids, making learning more effective and efficient across various subjects, including math, science, art, history, and language. The FIRST Global website showcases inspiring stories and interviews from teams worldwide, highlighting the cultural impact of the movement.

Conclusion:
FIRST is a cultural movement that promotes unity, cooperation, and problem-solving among kids from diverse backgrounds. It instills values and skills crucial for addressing global challenges and fostering a more harmonious world.