OMIC R&D Supports Local Robotics Team on Path to State Competition

OMIC R&D recently partnered with the Centro PDX OPPS robotics team from Cornelius to provide critical machining support ahead of the team’s upcoming pre-qualifier tournament, which is a stepping-stone on their journey to the state competition. 

The Centro PDX OPPS team arrived at OMIC R&D with a clear goal and a piece of 6061 aluminum but needed access to professional machining equipment and expertise to drill and cut the part to specification. 

OMIC staff members John Timmerman, Cole Erhardt and Mikala Stofiel worked hands-on with the robotics team throughout the process, guiding them through the machining steps and sharing industry knowledge along the way. The collaboration reflects OMIC’s broader commitment to inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals by connecting students with real-world manufacturing environments and experts.

“At OMIC, we believe that one of the most important investments we can make is in our students,” says Don Hendrickson, executive director, OMIC R&D. “When a group of young people show up with a problem to solve and the drive to compete, we want to be the place that helps them succeed. Experiences like these plant seeds for careers in advanced manufacturing and STEM — and that’s exactly the kind of community impact we’re here to make.”

OMIC R&D continues to seek opportunities to engage with local schools, student organizations, and community groups to foster interest in manufacturing careers and STEM education throughout Oregon.

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