Science and Engineering Area

Alabama Robotics Competition: Schedule

The following represents the tentative schedule of the contest. Family members and teachers of participants are welcome to attend the opening discussion, competition rounds, and awards presentation.

9:30am-10:45am

  • Check-in
  • Setup computer
  • Collect T-shirt and Registration Materials

10:45am-noon

  • Lunch
  • Explanation of Rules
  • Keynote Speaker

Approximately Noon-2:30pm (contest will end at 2:30pm regardless of start time)

  • Robotics Contest
  • Visitors can watch the contest live from the floor, or on a projected screen in the main contest area
  • The Alabama Brain-Drone race will be at this time in the Rast room. The start time will be announced from the robotics podium.     

2:30pm-3:00pm

  • Break
  • Snack Period
  • Time to load computers for transport

3:00pm-3:30pm

  • Awards Presentation

Keynote Speaker: Lisa Evans (CTO, Mercedes-Benz USI)

 

From Cars to Code: The Power of Technology in the Real World

Lisa Evans,CIO/CTO/CISO of North American Car Manufacturing for Mercedes-Benz 

Mercedes Benz US International, 1 Mercedes Drive Vance, AL 35490  

 

Technology is everywhere—from the robots in this competition to the cars on the road. For over 30 years, Lisa has worked in the automotive industry, helping to bring together technology, people, and innovation to make car manufacturing smarter and more efficient. As the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Mercedes-Benz North American Car Manufacturing, she leads the technology teams that help build vehicles in Alabama and Mexico. But she didn’t start in IT—her career has taken her through engineering, development, human resources, and technology, giving her a unique perspective on how everything connects. She calls herself a "Technology Social Worker" because she loves helping people use technology to solve problems, work smarter, and think bigger. Beyond work, she is passionate about supporting future innovators—just like the students in this competition. She serves on several advisory boards, helping to shape the future of education and technology. She also loves boating, the outdoors, and cheering on her favorite college football team – Roll Tide!. Today, she’s excited to share how technology is transforming industries, why problem-solving skills (like the ones you’re using in robotics) are so important, and how students like you can be part of shaping the future!