College prepares for robot invasion
An invasion of robots is about to hit Southland as enthusiasts and beginner robotics developers get together for a day of creativity and competition.
In a first for the province, primary and secondary school students are being invited to join together and experiment, create, and learn at a robotics day at Central Southland College this month.
CSC digital technology teacher and regional competition coordinator Alister Gray said the day was a great way to explore the world of robots.
‘‘It will be a fun, informative workshop day with challenges.’’
Participants would be invited to build their own robot and then programme it to navigate a specially developed course.
Part of a national RoboCup Junior New Zealand competition, the Southland event was all about getting people into robotics.
‘‘Lots of schools have got robotics kits sitting in the cupboard. This is about getting them out and bringing them to life.’’
Robotics involved a combination of computer programming, design and mechanical engineering skills and it was something young people should be getting into, Gray said.
‘‘It’s not the way of the future – it’s the way of the now.
‘‘Robots are already part of our lives and young people need to be involved.’’
Southern Institute of Technology students will also be involved in the Winton workshop day, which will run from 9.30am to 3pm on Friday, June 26.
Participants are asked to provide their own robot kits and can email Gray at alisterg@csc.school.nz to register their interest.
RoboCup Junior New Zealand is a national robotics competition with regional events held at seven regions throughout the country.