Toyota investing in Stevens High School robotics

Manufacturer gives $30,000 for robotic arms

SAN ANTONIO – Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas made a big investment in the robotics curriculum at Northside Independent School District’s Stevens High School by donating $30,000 to buy tabletop robotic arms.

"Our thought is: Why not start having the students at the high school level start understanding robotics?" said Mario Lozoya, Toyota's director of government affairs and external relations.

Stevens already has a flourishing robotics and automation program.  The addition of the robotic arms, which are scaled-down versions of those used to assemble Tundras and Tacomas at the South Side plant, will give the students significant tools to enhance their training.

"It's going to allow them the actually work on real-life equipment," said robotics teacher  Manuel Gonzalez.

Advanced manufacturing, whether trucks or something else, is now a much more sophisticated, computer-driven field that requires more training.

Inside the classroom, robots zip and zoom across the floor as the students who made them man the controls.

It's a class where tech-minded students like 18-year-old Fabricio Zuniga are finding their niche.

"I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do, but once I got into engineering, I really started building interest in what I really wanted to do," he said.

He now plans to pursue higher education and a career in the technology field.

Toyota has a long-standing relationship with Stevens High School. In fact, according to Lozoya, former Stevens robotics students currently work for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas.


About the Author:

Marilyn Moritz is an award-winning journalist dedicated to digging up information that can make people’s lives a little bit better. As KSAT’S 12 On Your Side Consumer reporter, she focuses on exposing scams and dangerous products and helping people save money.