Young minds get competitive with robots

Watch teams of local, national and international students pit their robots against each other at the Canadian Pacific Regional First Robotics Competition, March 13 to 16 at the Save-onFoods Memorial Centre.

The young minds will demonstrate their skills in science, engineering, technology and robotics, as they engage in competitions that encourage problem solving, innovation, teamwork and scientific thinking.

The contest is meant to be a catalyst to foster innovation in Western Canada, particularly in promoting the development of artificial intelligence, robotics and technology.

Teams from British Columbia and Alberta will compete with international teams coming from as far as Mexico.

First Robotics Canada is a registered charity established in 2001 with a mission to inspire Canadian high school and elementary school students to pursue further studies and careers in science, technology and engineering. Nationally, it engages more than 20,000 young adults in competition-based robotics programs.

Practice matches take place noon to 6:30 p.m. on March 14, with matches taking place 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5:45 p.m. on March 15. Matches take place 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on March 16. The awards ceremony takes place 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard St. For more information, go to firstroboticscanada.org.