Robotics teams go head-to-head in competition at University of Waterloo

High school students from across the province are putting their engineering pride on the line during a robotics competition at the University of Waterloo.

Thirty-one teams are competing in the Ontario District University of Waterloo FIRST Robotics Competition. The roster includes high school and community-based teams who all share a love of robotics, engineering and STEM. They designed, programmed and built their own bots, which are now being put to the test through a series of fast-paced, head-to-head matches. The robots must collect game pieces, shoot them into a goal and navigate around tricky terrain.

“This is a really fun program. I’ve learned a lot of engineering skills,” Adam Nagelhot, a competitor from the Rockway Robotics team, said. “I’ve learned how to do computer game design but also the people are really fantastic. I have a lot of friends who are on the team.”

Despite the competitive atmosphere, participants build more than just cool machines.

“It’s exciting to see how robotics and students and STEM can make a difference in the future,” Arti Javari, vice president of partnerships with FIRST Robotics Canada, explained. “It’s not just about learning technical skills, but they are also learning teamwork and communication, problem solving and all those things that we need in the future.”

Member of the Kitchener-Waterloo Youth Robotics ‘Rebel’ Team Eric Korczak dreams of one day using his skills to help others.

“I think one of the most interesting parts about robotics is how it can make a difference within the world and I really like the idea, especially, of prosthetics is what I’m really interested in,” he said. “Because I feel like being able to give people back that mobility and giving them the movement and the freedom and their own independence that they deserve is the most interesting part of it for me.”

Friday’s competition focused on qualification matches before the elimination rounds get underway on Saturday. The winners will earn a spot at the Canada Cup of Robotics in Niagara in June.

Spectators are welcome to head out to the University of Waterloo’s Physical Activities Complex from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday to cheer on their favourites.