The latest Robotics, Engineering and Technology (RET) Days event gave TARDEC another opportunity to motivate students to wonder about their high-tech future and kindle their interest in technical careers that will be critically needed to keep the nation both economically and militarily strong.

With participation from more than 1,500 area students, RET Days was held Dec. 3-5 at Macomb Community College (MCC) in Warren to offer hands-on demonstrations of robotics, hybrid vehicle technology, electric vehicle components and renewable energy.

TARDEC teamed with The Center for Advanced Automotive Technology, Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD), and Lawrence Tech to coordinate RET Days at MCC's Sports and Exposition Center. Students met technological experts at several stations, or pods, to participate in interactive displays of robotics, electronics, ground vehicles and other technologies. In the process, the event's hosts demonstrated how STEM skills can be applied.