Students compete in robotics competition at Vaughn College

QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) -- The robots have invaded Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in East Elmhurst, Queens. 

Students are participating in a big competition this weekend and blazing trails in some of the hottest and most in-demand professions.  

Robotics competitions are a serious business for college and high school students.  

Ean Chambers is a sophomore at Vaughn. He’s studying mechatronic engineering.  

"Mechatronic engineering is an overview of engineering, mechanical and electrical and some computer science," Chambers said.  

The students from eight colleges designed and built motorized creations during the past six months.  

Chris Walker from Long Island is a senior at Vaughn  

"You can apply what you’re learning, and it gives you an understanding and not just reading a textbook all day," he said.   

The students are looking ahead to a bright future. Vaughn reports that 98% of its graduates are employed within one year of graduation with 78% in their original field of study.  

Mike Hefner is studying to be a commercial pilot.  

"Pilots are needed and engineers are needed," Hefner said.  

When the competition wraps up this weekend, the college and high school winners will move on to the next round of competition.