Code Red Robotics Builds an Off-road Wheelchair for a Local Young Man

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GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – 3/16/15

Code Red Robotics, a Grand Rapids, Michigan based non-profit, today announced it has provided an area young man with a wheelchair that gives him the ability to explore the world beyond the sidewalk. Code Red partnered with Ariens Company of Brillion Wisconsin, Professional Metal Fabrication of Grand Rapids Michigan and Rays of Hope International of Grand Rapids Michigan to design and build an all-terrain wheelchair.

“One of our core values at Code Red is giving back to the community and making sure our activities help make a difference in the world today,” explains Ken Orzechowski, head coach of Code Red Robotics. “Technology is really only valuable if it helps people, and we can see this project changing the world for a young man who has been wheelchair bound for most of his life.

Code Red students have designed, manufactured and programmed a refurbished wheelchair base to give the occupant the ability to explore the world around him. Until now Nevin was unable to explore even his own backyard, and with this modified wheelchair, his world has just grown.

“We first got involved with this project when our elementary program was exploring how people learn as a research project this past fall,” explains Casey Dubois, Code Red coach and mentor. “We approached our high school team, and we saw the light go on with the kids. They work with very similar devices for their robotics competitions, so we thought, ‘Why not?’ After all, the Code Red motto is Building Robots to Build Better People. The high school team loves this project and giving back this way.”

Code Red Robotics is an- all volunteer 501c3 in Grand Rapids, and a leader in educational robotics and in supporting FIRST Robotics teams all over Michigan. Our mission is to shape students into problem solvers, innovators, and servant-leaders by competing in the FIRST Robotics Competitions. We build robots to build better people.

Our high school level is a community team representing 13 different high schools sponsored by Grand River Preparatory High School, but we do have room for students from other area high schools. Code Red wants to extend the opportunity to participate in robotics to students in the community. If you’re at a school without a robotics program, consider joining Code Red, Team 2771. Our elementary and middle school program is a community comprising students from all over West Michigan.

Please contact:
Ken Orzechowski
ken@coderedrobotics.com
616-730-2233
734-216-6996