Local students taking part in Robotics Challenge

Woodstock – On Thursday, Nov. 30, more than 75 students from 16 secondary schools will be taking part in the Oxford Invitational Youth Robotics Challenge. The event takes place at Reeves Community Complex, Goff Gymnasium from 2 – 5:30 p.m.

Students will be setting up their projects beginning at 2 p.m., with judging happening from 3 to 5 p.m. Students will also have an opportunity to present their creations to the panel of judges from 5 to 5:30 p.m.

“This is always such fun event to be part of,” said Brad Hammond, Economic Development Officer for the City of Woodstock and co-chair of the competition. “The program allows students to tackle challenges and activities related to engineering, technology and skilled trade career paths. With those making up such a significant portion of the local employment market, it’s great they have an opportunity to explore areas they may not have previously considered.”

Participants have been working with their teams since September to build and program a robot to complete a real-life robotics scenario. Each team received a Lego Spike Prime Kit to build their robot and no additional materials are permitted. Teams must also present a written report and video outlining their learnings and the challenges they encountered along their journey.

“Seeing how the teams learn and develop over the course of a few months is really inspiring,” added Lisa Wells, Manager of Continuing Education and Contract Training at Fanshawe College Woodstock/Oxford Regional Campus, who also co-chairs the competition. “Not only can you see their technical expertise improve, but you can see growth in their problem solving, teamwork and leadership skills too.”

This marks the 16th year of the competition.

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