World Robot Olympiad opens in Taiwan

Taipei, Nov. 17 (CNA) More than 800 students on 170 teams from
around the world are participating in the 2007 World Robot Olympiad,
an annual international robot competition for youth in which
competing teams assemble robots to rally and ambulate.
The competition, which is being held in Taipei from Nov. 17-18,
has been divided into two categories. In the regular category, the
teams are required to assemble robots to solve a specific problem
within an hour. The open category is a project-based, exhibition
style competition in which teams present their robot designs.
The teams in both categories are divided into three age groups,
namely elementary school students, junior high school students and
senior high school students.
All the teams went into action Saturday on the floor of the
National Taiwan University Gymnasium, with teachers, family members
and friends watching in the stands.
The participants had to assemble their robots with LEGO plastic
bricks and controllers, such as light, sound and temperature sensors.
According to the rules, the robots must accomplish the assigned
missions by themselves.
The topics for this year's competition categories were assigned
by the Taiwan organizers who wanted to add a local flavor to the
event. For example, the teams in the regular competition had to
design robots that simulate the Mount Ali train's z-line switchback
movement.
"Competitions like this help kids build their thinking skills,
which is important for the future development of students who plan on
entering engineering or related field, " said Kerry Bailey, an
information technology consultant who works for the Abu Dhabi
Education Council in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The competition helps develop various skills of the participants,
such as problem-solving and teamwork skills, Bailey said, adding that
the event exposes students to an innovative environment from a very
young age.
The World Robot Olympiad was established in 2004 by the WRO
committee, which is comprised of experts from various universities
around the world, with the purpose of promoting innovation and
education.
(By Chris Wang)
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