Budding tech entrepreneurs have put their robots to the test – climbing vertical surfaces, battling in sumo arenas and navigating labyrinthine mazes – at an annual national event.
More than 1000 competitors aged from eight to 20, from schools and universities, unleashed their creativity and technical prowess in designing, building and programming fully autonomous robots at the RoboRAVE Australia robotics competition at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
The event attracted record-breaking numbers and, for the first time, marked international participation with teams from China, Ecuador, India, the Philippines and Vietnam, joining 500 teams from across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Forty-two local teams from 27 schools represented the Sunshine Coast, hailing from Buderim to Bli Bli, Currimundi to Coolum, Maleny to Mountain Creek, Palmview to Peregian Springs and more.
Teams could use LEGO robotics or any other type of robot provided it cost less than $US1500 to design and build.
Winning teams were from Baringa State Primary School, Caloundra Christian College, Cavite Science Integrated School in the Philippines, Chancellor State College, Cooran State School, Genesis Christian College, Kunshan High School of Jiangsu Province in China, Scarborough State School, St Andrew’s Anglican College, Sunshine Coast Grammar, Talara Primary College and University of Queensland UQ MARS.
Winners also came from Out of the BOTS, a robotics company based in Nambour, NASTRATECH from Ecuador and the DUMING STUDIO in China.
The Spirit of RoboRAVE was awarded to RoboReapers from Cavite Science Integrated School in the Philippines, for their sportsmanship and significant effort in competing in both days of the competition.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson opened the event and acknowledged the efforts of each student.
“The talent and imagination displayed was inspiring, reflecting the immense dedication and passion invested by each participating team,” he said.
“There’s no better place to dive into the wonders of future technologies than right here on our Sunshine Coast and each and every student should be incredibly proud of themselves.
“As supporters of the RoboCoast and the RoboRAVE competition, council recognises the importance of supporting STEM skills and providing a platform for our young people to push the boundaries of innovation.”
RoboRAVE Australia president Tim Hadwen was thrilled to see the event grow and attract interest from interstate and overseas students.
“The Sunshine Coast is the premier location for robotics education in Australia with the highest density of high-performing schools in robotics in the nation,” he said.
“It’s fantastic to see the event grow with record-breaking numbers along with international participation as we prepare to be the host location for the 2024 RoboRAVE World Championship, which will attract up to 4000 participants globally.”
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