Drone Competitions Mirror High-Tech Quidditch. Teachers Employ Them for Instructional Purposes
Drone soccer, a unique blend of drone technology and soccer-like gameplay, is rapidly gaining popularity as a competitive sport. This innovative game uses drones as players, with the objective being to score goals in a netted arena. The sport aims to promote STEM education and workforce development, engaging participants through technology and competition.
In the United States, key organizations driving the growth of drone soccer include CNY Drones, a volunteer-run community group focusing on drone technology education, STEM, and workforce pathways. Notably, they facilitated the U.S. Drone Soccer 2025 National Championship and operate as part of the Griffiss Institute in New York, emphasizing community support and student engagement in drone-related activities.
The exact origins of drone soccer remain unclear, but the sport's development as a STEM-focused activity is supported by community organizations tied to technological innovation and education. One such partner is Michelin Inflatable Solutions, who, in partnership with U.S. Drone Soccer, provides lightweight, portable drone arenas for educators across the U.S. These arenas can fit in any school gymnasium or multipurpose room, making them easily accessible for schools to integrate drone soccer into their curriculums.
Anne-Frédérique Salit, CEO of Michelin Inflatable Solutions, believes that technology is inclusive by nature. This sentiment is reflected in the sport's ability to encourage women and students from diverse backgrounds to get involved with STEM activities. Drone soccer is now played in 28 states across the U.S. and over 240 schools, demonstrating its wide-reaching impact.
In the sport, the striker is the only player on each team that can score by flying their drone through a circular goal post placed 3 meters to 3.5 meters off the ground. Matches consist of three sets and are played by student-piloted drones that fly about 3 meters off the ground. The sport is considered fun and engaging by both educators and students, making it an attractive addition to STEM education.
Beyond the sport itself, drone soccer supports a variety of STEM skills in students and helps prepare them for potential future careers in the aeronautics industry. This includes obtaining a drone license and career readiness in the drone industry. With the increasing number of jobs becoming available for drones, drone soccer can provide a unique and engaging way for students to explore this exciting field.
Drone soccer was first invented in 2016 by researchers and drone enthusiasts at the CAMTIC Institute of Technology in Jeonju, South Korea. Since then, the sport has grown exponentially, thanks in part to the efforts of organizations like CNY Drones and Michelin Inflatable Solutions. As drone technology continues to advance, it's likely that drone soccer will continue to evolve and grow, providing exciting opportunities for students and educators alike.
Dr. Robert Mayben, a technology in motion specialist at The University of Alabama/University of West Alabama Inservice Center, utilizes a portable drone arena for his demonstrations with drone soccer in Alabama. His work, along with the efforts of organizations like CNY Drones and Michelin Inflatable Solutions, is helping to bring drone soccer to schools across the U.S. and foster a new generation of STEM enthusiasts.
Michelin Inflatable Solutions also partners with U.S. Drone Soccer to support diversity and inclusivity in STEM education. By making drone soccer accessible to schools and students, they hope to encourage more people to explore STEM fields and consider careers in the drone industry.
In conclusion, drone soccer is a fascinating new sport that combines technology, competition, and education. Its growth in the U.S. is due in part to the efforts of organizations like CNY Drones and Michelin Inflatable Solutions, who are dedicated to promoting STEM education and workforce development. As the sport continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see even more exciting developments in the world of drone soccer.
- Drone soccer, a sport that blends drone technology and soccer, is facilitated by community groups focusing on STEM education, such as CNY Drones, in the United States.
- The lightweight, portable drone arenas provided by Michelin Inflatable Solutions for educators enable schools to easily incorporate drone soccer into their curriculums.
- With drone soccer, student-piloted drones fly around in matches, aiming to score goals, thereby supporting the development of various STEM skills and preparing students for potential careers in the aeronautics industry.
- Drone soccer, played in 28 states across the U.S. and over 240 schools, seeks to encourage diversity and inclusivity in STEM through partnerships with organizations like Michelin Inflatable Solutions.
- With increasing job opportunities for drones, drone soccer offers a unique and engaging way for students to explore the exciting field of drone technology and stem education.
