Dow Performance Fluids Donates Materials to Midland Robotics Team

Midland, MI - May 18, 2009

Science, chemistry, renewable resources, philanthropy and robots; each is involved with Dow’s launch of a new biodegradable, partially renewable bio hydraulic fluid. Dow™ SYMBIO is a new offering for hydraulic equipment operators that is made from over 50% canola oil and advanced polyalkaline chemistry from Dow. Hydraulics provide the “muscle” for everything from car brakes, to elevators, dockside cranes, and even high school robots. Dow donated material resources (including Dow™ SYMBIO) to the Midland Robotics team, who are using Dow™ SYMBIO in their latest invention.

How Hydraulics Work

Robot “muscles” are typically made of hydraulic cylinders that are filled with fluids. When the hydraulic fluid flows into hydraulic cylinders, the increased pressure pushes the piston at the other end.  Fluid power has the highest power density of any technology.  Therefore, hydraulics can accomplish things that are not possible to do with electronic motors.  A good place to see hydraulic power, other than your own car’s brakes, is in elevators, car lifts or bulldozers. 

Renewable Ingredients in Dow™ SYMBIO

Based on more than 50% canola oil and polyalkaline glycol chemistry from Dow, Dow™  SYMBIO is readily biodegradable and can also help users meet strict environmental regulations, while ensuring that industrial equipment is protected against wear.  High school robots are not the typical application for Dow™ SYMBIO.  More often, stationary dockside equipment for loading cargo ships or even equipment used for offshore oil platforms or rides at amusement parks can benefit from the performance characteristics of Dow™ SYMBIO. And the superior environmental performance of Dow™ SYMBIO as a partially renewable material which biodegrades rapidly in the aquatic environment make it a preferred material for these demanding applications in environmentally sensitive environments.

High School Robots

As a way to further test the hydraulic fluid and work with local high school students, Dow donated materials and other resources to the Midland High School Robotics Team.

Of course the traditional romantic portrayal of the robot as an anthropomorphic, autonomous entity that possesses intelligence and walks and talks in a way that mimics human behavior.  Instead, the overwhelming majority of robots are anchored to one point. The purpose of robotics technology is essentially to carry out repetitive, physically demanding and potentially dangerous manual activities so that humans are relieved from these tasks. Examples of these chores include working on factory production line assembly, handling hazardous materials and dealing with hostile environments like mines, underwater construction sites and even other planets like Mars. 

With support from The Dow Chemical Company, high school students from both Dow High School and Midland High School in Midland, Michigan are building a robot that uses chemistry from Dow to help deliver power and work. The robotics team is nicknamed “The Charge”.  The robot they invented is nicknamed ‘The Diamond Putt Bott”.  The robot uses hydraulic powered robotics and computer programming to putt a golf ball.

Dow is committed to chemistry, science and the community where there are manufacturing sites, like the one in Midland, Michigan. Donating materials, time and other resources helps strengthen Dow relationships with local neighbors. Even more, collaboration like this one prepares students for careers in science. Dow’s work is part of a larger down payment on a better future for everyone.

About Dow


For Editorial Information:

Harold Nicoll
The Dow Chemical Company
(989) 636-5162