National Robotics League

“So much fun, it’s inhuman.” 

The National Robotics League is the premier national organization for high school competitions that combines fun with technical know-how; aka Robot Combat. The NRL is the league in the world of robotic competition that builds a bridge from fun to career and engages a new generations to the machining industry.

 Challenge

NTMA set out to launch a national robotic combat league that would serve as a governing body to initiate and replicate programs throughout the country with the goal of creating an exciting and engaging environment for students to learn science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills. The program would be positioned as an “alternative/extreme” sport, and would function much in the same way as a professional sports league. Their competitive advantage would lie in their focus on building bridges between fun and career.

 Solution

Matchstic partnered with NTMA to develop this brand from the ground up, including name, core brand identity, and supporting collateral materials.  The name National Robotics League was chosen because it spoke to the goal of being the premier robotics league in the country.  It also worked well as an acronym (NRL) like other main national leagues like NFL, NBA, & MLB.

The core of NRL is about building something – creating a whole from parts and pieces. Matchstic's design started with a “gear” shape and bold, simple typography. The unique outer shape reveals the robotics context at first glance and speaks to the vernacular of the industry. The element of two clashing arrows are a subtle, non-confrontational solution to emphasizing combat and competition. Finally, two small icons add a playful representation of “National” (the star) and “Robotics” (electric bolt). The overall solution is one of mechanical weight and simplicity, with an added dose of energy that speaks to NRL's “exciting yet smart” personality. 

 Results

The NRL brand took a once localized concept and turned it national, equipping an entire network of NTMA chapters with a tangible platform to engage rising college students. One year after launch, the NTMA team has partnered with schools across the country to participate in the program. Today, the NRL team is embarking on a new push to further mobilize their chapters across the country to build the program into a national trend. In a market of declining employment, NRL is poised to provide a real career path to students not only seeking a passion – but also growing opportunities. They are a thriving and growing brand, providing needed impact to both students and manufacturing organizations across the country.