Students Showcase 'Sumo Bots' at Ontario Tech's Robotics Competition

Engineering Robotics Competition at Ontario Tech Draws Over 400 Students in STEM Field

Ontario Tech University hosted the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science’s (FEAS) 17th annual Engineering Robotics Competition on November 30. This event aimed to ignite interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) among high school and intermediate students. The competition featured 80 teams comprising 417 students from Grades 7 to 12. Participants used LEGO Mindstorm technologies to design, build, and program 'Sumo Bots'. Additionally, they created posters to display their robot designs and the skills involved in constructing them. The 'Sumo Bots' faced off in the arena, battling to outlast and eliminate their opponents, with the last robot standing crowned as the champion. This event gave students valuable hands-on coding and mechatronics experience while enhancing their collaborative skills.

The 2024 Engineering Robotics Competition judges included Eda Aydin, Assistant Teaching Professor; Jana Abou-Ziki, Assistant Professor; Jerry Kan, Postdoctoral Researcher; and Varaprasad Oruqanti, Postdoctoral Fellow, all from the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science (FEAS).

The winning teams of this year's competition were recognized as follows:
- 1st place: Team 78 from St. Stephen Secondary School, Bowmanville.
- 2nd place: Team 33 from St. Stephen Secondary School, Bowmanville.
- 3rd place: Team 23 from Father Michael Goetz Secondary School, Mississauga.

Special awards were presented to recognize the talent and achievements of participants in various categories. The Referees’ Award for Sportsmanship was given to Team 13 from Scarborough Academy for Technological, Environmental and Computer Studies (SATEC)  W.A. Porter Collegiate Institute, Scarborough, and Team 36 from Trafalgar Castle School, Whitby. The Women in Engineering Award was awarded to Team 36 from Trafalgar Castle School, Whitby, and Team 23 from Father Michael Goetz Secondary School, Mississauga. The Most Novel Design award went to Team 40 from Ajax High School and Team 26 from Pickering High School.

For the Best Engineering Design, Team 27 from Dr. Robert Thornton Public School, Whitby, and Team 47 from W. Sherwood Fox Public School, London, were recognized. Team 34 from Trafalgar Castle School, Whitby, and Team 62 from Albert Campbell Collegiate Institute, Scarborough were awarded the Best Poster Design. Finally, Shawn van Andel from Knox Christian School, Bowmanville, and Ryan and Michael from Toronto District Christian High School were presented with the Best Mentor Award. These awards highlighted the exceptional skills, creativity, and mentorship of the teams and individuals throughout the event.

The event, organized by Ontario Tech University Engineering Outreach, part of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, aimed to inspire and educate students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in the Durham Region and surrounding communities. Through various engineering outreach programs, the competition provided students with hands-on experience and an opportunity to showcase their talents in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

Editor's Note

The 17th annual Engineering Robotics Competition allowed high school and intermediate students to showcase their skills and passion for STEM. As the students used LEGO Mindstorm technologies, they developed crucial skills in coding and mechatronics while fostering teamwork and creativity. The recognition of exceptional talent through various awards highlights the importance of such competitions in nurturing the next generation of innovators and engineers. 

Skoobuzz believes that the event provided school students a platform to showcase their talent and gain new experience in STEM fields, ultimately contributing to a brighter future for these young minds.