Aquidneck Island Robotics will open its workshop to prospective students and their families on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 80 Fleet Access Road, in NUWC Building 80.
The team, known as Team 78 AIR STRIKE, is the only community-based FIRST Robotics Competition team in Rhode Island, meaning students from any school — public, private or homeschool — can join. It is open to grades 8 through 12, and 10 spots remain for the 2026-27 season.
Visitors can drop in any time during the four hours, with guided tours starting each hour. The team’s 2026 competition robot will be running, and members will be on hand to explain how to sign up. No experience is required.
Founded in 1996 and now in its 32nd season, the team competes at what FIRST calls the varsity level, with students designing, building and programming an industrial robot alongside professional mentors while also handling strategy and the business side of the operation.
RSVP details are at aquidneckislandrobotics.org/openhouse, and questions go to frc@aquidneckislandrobotics.org.
