World Robot Olympiad Jamaica set for UWI today

The World Robot Olympiad Jamaica is set to take place today at the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies.

Under the theme, Smart Cities, 22 teams from primary and prep schools throughout the corporate area will vie for the chance to go to International World Robot Olympiad Finals, to be held in Hungary from November 8 to 10.

Students between the ages of ten and 15 years old will use LEGO Mindstorms Robotics kits to design, build and programme autonomous robots to explore new concepts, ideas and technologies that will help to build cities of the future.

Marvin Hall, managing director of Halls of Learning, organisers of the event, said the 22 participating teams represent an increase of seven over last year.  

“The students have been working very hard, they’re very competitive and we’re gearing up for a very exciting tournament,” Hall said.

For the second straight year the event, organised by Halls of Learning, is sponsored by New Fortress Energy through a $2.6 million contribution.

Verona Carter, Vice President for Public Affairs at New Fortress Energy, said innovative programmes like the robotics Olympiad, which promotes science, technology, engineering and mathematics, will help to inspire and develop the next generation of Jamaican innovators.

“There’s no doubt that science, technology, engineering and mathematics will be a key driver to a sustainable economic future for Jamaica. We are delighted to partner with Halls of Learning and encourage young boys and girls to explore this critical field from an early age,” Carter said.

The World Robot Olympiad is organised in 65 countries across the Globe.

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