The sixth annual National Robotics Week kicks off on April 4 with hundreds of planned robotics competitions, demonstrations and educational activities across the U.S.

BEDFORD, Mass., March 16, 2015 -- National Robotics Week, which takes place April 4-12, 2015, is calling for event submissions from robot-enthusiasts across all 50 United States. Established by Congress and iRobot in 2010 to raise awareness about robots and their important role in shaping the future of education, industry and the U.S. economy, National Robotics Week brings together students, educators and influencers who share a passion for robots and technology.

Led by founder and lead organizer iRobot, along with support from a partner advisory council, the inclusive and family-friendly week seeks to:

* Inspire students of all ages to pursue careers in robotics and other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math-related fields (STEM)

* Celebrate the exciting world of robotics technology development and its growing importance on the economy

* Educate the public about how robots can positively impact society, both now and in the future

\"Advances in the robotics industry are taking place at an astounding clip. Our goal with National Robotics Week is to harness the excitement of robotics innovation to inspire and engage the next generation in STEM leaders,\" said Colin Angle, chairman and CEO of iRobot. \"iRobot is proud to lead this important initiative, which allows us to share our 25 year-long passion for robotics with students across the nation, as well as celebrate the amazing accomplishments of innovators throughout the field.\"

Events are organized by a wide range of parties, including robot companies, institutions, educators, government agencies, universities and individuals who are making a mark on the world of robots. They include robotics competitions, expos, parties, workshops, classes and camps.

To identify regional events or to list an event please visit: http://nationalroboticsweek.org/events.php

A sample of events coinciding with the 2015 National Robotics Week includes:

* International RoboGames, San Mateo Event Center, San Mateo, CA (April 4 and 5) - RoboGames features robotics teams from around the world competing in more than 50 events, including combat robots, fire-fighters, LEGO bots, hockey bots, walking humanoids, soccer bots and even sumo bots. Some robots are autonomous, some are remote controlled - but they\'re all cool! As an open event, anyone can compete. April 4: noon-8:00pm PT; April 5: noon-1:00pm PT

* Silicon Valley Robot Block Party, Palo Alto, CA (April 8) - Hosted by Silicon Valley Robotics, see the most advanced robotics research in Silicon Valley, the hottest robot startups and the coolest robot companies. April 8: noon-4:00pm PT

* Georgia Tech Robotics Open House, Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines (IRIM) at Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA (April 8) - Georgia Tech\'s IRIM will host an open house featuring demos of robots and tours of labs on campus. This exciting event is open to all middle school and high school students. April 8: 9:00am - 3:00pm ET

* Rhode Island Robot Block Party, Pizzitola Center at Brown University, Providence, RI (April 11) - See how robots are used in research, manufacturing, healthcare and education in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Robot Block Party is a project of Rhode Island Students of the Future, a non-profit organization that promotes youth robotics, and the Humanity Centered Robotics Initiative at Brown University. April 11: free admission; noon - 4:00pm ET

* Robot Zoo, Cambridge, MA (April 18) - Perfect for families and robot enthusiasts of all ages, this action-packed event explores amazing robotics technology through live demonstrations and interactive activities from organizations throughout Massachusetts, the United States, and the World. iRobot will showcase several of its home and defense and security robots, which attendees can try firsthand. April 18: noon-4:00pm ET

For the second year in a row, through the combined work of iRobot, Georgia Tech and IEEE Spectrum, a set of robot trading cards will also be available beginning in April on the National Robotics Week website to view and print. Each card depicts a famous robot along with important stats and fun facts.

As founder of National Robotics Week, iRobot is committed to building a future for STEM education in the United States. The company\'s multi-faceted outreach program is a resource for students, parents and educators to share in the excitement of robotics. In addition to classroom visits and other events, iRobot provides mentoring, career introduction and internships, all geared toward connecting students to the opportunities provided by a STEM education and occupation. More information about iRobot\'s STEM efforts can be found at www.irobot.com/stem.

For more information about National Robotics Week, go to: http://www.nationalroboticsweek.org/.

National Robotics Week is also on Twitter (@roboweek and #roboweek) and Facebook (facebook.com/roboweek).

Official National Robotics Week gear, featuring mascot Bleeker the Rechargeable Dog, can be found at: http://www.cafepress.com/bleeker.