Locally Built Robots to Compete in Windhoek Challenge

The Genius Robotics Club Challenge is set to take place in Windhoek, bringing together ten teams of young learners to compete with locally built robots. The event, organised by Genius Robotics, will be held at its premises in Southern Industrial from 09:00. The competition is part of the club's year-end activities and features 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. Each match will have a three-minute duration, during which the robots will collect and sort coloured balls into designated scoring openings. The balls represent different recyclable materials, with 60 balls in each match and four special balls known as Dragon Balls carrying a higher scoring value.

The scoring system requires teams to balance speed with accuracy. 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 rules also state that deliberate ramming, tipping or damaging opposing robots will not be permitted.

The competing robots 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. The programme encourages learners to build, test, modify, programme and operate real machines, rather than just learning robotics theory. This approach aims to foster practical skills and problem-solving abilities.

The competition also aims to encourage teamwork, problem-solving and healthy competition among learners from participating schools and learning environments. The resource-recovery theme 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.

The event is expected to be a fun and educational experience for all participants. By competing with locally built robots, learners will demonstrate their skills and creativity in a supportive environment. The challenge will showcase the potential of STEM education in Namibia and inspire young learners to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Key points

• The competition features a unique scoring system that requires teams to balance speed with accuracy.
• The robots used in the competition are locally manufactured, with structural and mechanical components produced using 3D printing.
• The event aims to encourage teamwork, problem-solving and healthy competition among learners from participating schools and learning environments.