Robotics competition sees young minds battle at U of W

Some of Ontario's brightest high school students are battling it out on the Easter weekend in the ninth annual Windsor Essex Great Lakes FIRST Robotics Competition.

This year's event sees 34 teams from across Ontario gathered at the University of Windsor's St. Denis Centre on Friday and Saturday.

“This very unique event is a celebration of months of hard work and showcases the teams' skills not only in engineering/robotics but teamwork, entrepreneurship, co-operation and gracious professionalism,” said Windsor-essex FIRST Robotics chair Larry Koscielski.

Today's action runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The teams will use their skills and imagination to turn up the volume as they design, build and program their robots in an action-packed Crescendo by Haas game to illustrate the impact engineering and innovation can have on the arts.

“Every year, FIRST reveals a new game and theme for each of its programs,” said Wetech Alliance CEO and president Yvonne Pilon. “This year's game is a music-themed challenge involving scoring notes (foam rings) in speakers and amplifiers (high- and low-target zones) and hanging on chains at the end of the match.

“Each game has two alliances consisting of three teams.”

Spectators are welcome and there will also be a variety of attractions and performances. Among those: Optimus Show LED Robot, a photo booth, DJ and the opportunity to obtain an event-themed sticker designed by local artist Jeff Denomme of Haunted Zoo.

“In a time when job growth is unprecedented, FIRST Robotics is igniting a passion in these young minds that has already led to a significant and sustained impact on the talent pipelines for our region,” said Koscielski.