Waukesha Times

The grand opening of the Elmbrook Robotics and Automation space at Brookfield East High School was met with enthusiasm on Tuesday, March 19. The event featured a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and student presentations, with keynotes from various individuals involved in the project.

Scott Wheeler, the Board President, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you to everyone that made this vision a reality. Within this space, the experiences our students will be able to have will be life-changing.”

Sara Lieske, Robotics and Automation Educator, emphasized the significance of the new space, stating, “the world of automation and Industry 4.0 is paving the way for careers in technology, and the labor market is searching for individuals with necessary skills.”

Richard Oakes, the BEAST #2202 Robotics Founding Advisor, highlighted the sense of community and purpose the space provides, stating, “We all want to be a part of something that’s bigger than ourselves and we all need a place to belong and to find our passion, and this is the place to do it.”

The Elmbrook Robotics and Automation Course is open to all students at Brookfield Central and Brookfield East, with the BEAST Robotics Team celebrating its 18th year of operation. The program offers three robotics and automation courses, six competitive teams, certification opportunities, and industry mentors to prepare students for future careers in technology.

All speakers and student presenters expressed their appreciation for the support received from the Board of Education and the Elmbrook Community, underscoring the collective effort to equip current and future students with the skills needed for success in the field of robotics and automation.