Locally built robots set for Windhoek challenge

Robotics
Staff Reporter
  • 1 Hour Ago

Ten teams of young learners are expected to put locally built robots to the test at the Genius Robotics Club (GRC) Challenge in Windhoek tomorrow.

Organised by Genius Robotics, the year-end competition will take place at its premises in Southern Industrial from 09:00, bringing together learners participating in its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in Schools programme.

The challenge will see four robots compete simultaneously in a purpose-built 3m by 3m arena, where they will have three minutes to collect and sort coloured balls into designated scoring openings.

Each match will feature 60 balls representing different recyclable materials, alongside four special balls known as Dragon Balls, which carry a higher scoring value.

Teams will earn two points for depositing a ball into its matching-colour opening and one point for placing it in a different-colour opening.

A Dragon Ball will be worth five points, although each team can only earn points from one such ball per match.

The scoring system will require teams to balance speed with accuracy, deciding whether to collect several balls quickly or take more time to sort them correctly for maximum points. Deliberate ramming, tipping or damaging opposing robots will not be permitted.


Locally manufactured

The competing robots will use a common platform developed by Genius Robotics, which manufactures their structural and mechanical components locally using 3D printing.

Learners can modify their robots’ mechanisms and develop different approaches to collecting and transporting balls, making design and operation important factors in their competitive performances.

According to the organisers, the challenge provides an opportunity for learners to put the skills acquired through the STEM in Schools programme into practice.

“Rather than teaching robotics solely as theory, learners are encouraged to build, test, modify, programme and operate real machines,” Genius Robotics said in a statement.

The organisers said the competition also aims to encourage teamwork, problem-solving and healthy competition among learners from participating schools and learning environments.

The resource-recovery theme further introduces participants to the importance of sorting recyclable materials through a practical challenge.

Families, educators and members of the public are invited to watch the learners compete.

– mariud@nsh.com.na