More than 1000 students from around the Asia-Pacific, united by a mutual love of science, technology, and engineering, recently attended Australia’s largest student robotics competition to put their skills to the test.
Cheered on by the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull alongside industry leaders, educators, families and fans, the students launched robots they’d designed, built and programmed themselves over a six week period to take on a medieval-themed challenge, which required their robots to overcome obstacles and weaken their opponents’ defenses in order to conquer their ‘Stronghold’ tower.
Joined by Foreign Minister The Hon Julie Bishop, and the Member for Reid The Hon Craig Laundy MP, Prime Minister Turnbull said they were excited to visit the event and to be so inspired by such brilliant young minds.
“They’re right here at the cutting edge of technology; the technology that delivers jobs, the opportunities of the 21st century for our children and our grandchildren.”
Much more than just a game for robots, the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), is part of a much larger FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) program aimed at inspiring and educating students in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths).
Held at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on 17-19 March, the FRC welcomed nearly 50 high school student teams from the United States, Singapore, Taiwan, China, India, and Australia, who competed to earn a spot at the April FIRST Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, United States.
The Australian FRC event also honoured a number of team achievements, recognising teams that demonstrated design excellence, competitive play, sportsmanship and high impact partnerships between schools, businesses and communities.
FIRST Australia’s Regional Director, Luan Heimlich, congratulated all of the teams on their excellent performances at the event.
“What we saw at the FRC event was the result of weeks, if not months, of dedication from these students,” said Luan. “But what excites me most is that the robots were not the most meaningful output of their efforts.
“We also witnessed the students’ excitement for science, and confidence in their own abilities grow, which will have far-reaching impacts not just for them as individuals, but also for the future of STEM research and industry, which will hopefully welcome these kids into further education and careers in these spaces.”
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a not-for-profit organisation that runs a suite of robotics programs for school students year round.
For more information on FIRST Australia visit their website.
Cheered on by the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull alongside industry leaders, educators, families and fans, the students launched robots they’d designed, built and programmed themselves over a six week period to take on a medieval-themed challenge, which required their robots to overcome obstacles and weaken their opponents’ defenses in order to conquer their ‘Stronghold’ tower.
Joined by Foreign Minister The Hon Julie Bishop, and the Member for Reid The Hon Craig Laundy MP, Prime Minister Turnbull said they were excited to visit the event and to be so inspired by such brilliant young minds.
“They’re right here at the cutting edge of technology; the technology that delivers jobs, the opportunities of the 21st century for our children and our grandchildren.”
Much more than just a game for robots, the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), is part of a much larger FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) program aimed at inspiring and educating students in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths).
Held at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on 17-19 March, the FRC welcomed nearly 50 high school student teams from the United States, Singapore, Taiwan, China, India, and Australia, who competed to earn a spot at the April FIRST Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, United States.
The Australian FRC event also honoured a number of team achievements, recognising teams that demonstrated design excellence, competitive play, sportsmanship and high impact partnerships between schools, businesses and communities.
FIRST Australia’s Regional Director, Luan Heimlich, congratulated all of the teams on their excellent performances at the event.
“What we saw at the FRC event was the result of weeks, if not months, of dedication from these students,” said Luan. “But what excites me most is that the robots were not the most meaningful output of their efforts.
“We also witnessed the students’ excitement for science, and confidence in their own abilities grow, which will have far-reaching impacts not just for them as individuals, but also for the future of STEM research and industry, which will hopefully welcome these kids into further education and careers in these spaces.”
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a not-for-profit organisation that runs a suite of robotics programs for school students year round.
For more information on FIRST Australia visit their website.
