Engineering a world win
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ROBOT designers mentored by Massey University Albany engineering experts triumphed at the Vex Robotics World Championships held in Dallas, Texas.
The teams, the home-schooled Free Range Robotics and the Kristin Doves, of Kristin School in Albany, won the grand final in partnership with a Chinese team.
The university's student teams also reached the finals, with the Albany campus team second in its category.
Dr Johan Potgieter, senior lecturer in mechatronics, engineering and industrial management, says it was a fantastic atmosphere.
He was not surprised New Zealand teams dominated.
"Massey mentors and trains the New Zealand teams and this year we took 16 school teams to the world championships," says Dr Potgieter.
"We teach them programming and basic mechanics as well as team building, and support them through the process.
"They are hugely talented. We did well last year and now other countries see us as the ones to beat."
The competition is sponsored by NASA and attracts teams from around the world for three days of robotics challenges.
Participating countries include Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Engineering and advanced technology associate head Professor Ian Maddox says: "Engineering is fun and exciting and this competition is not just about building robots, it's about strategy and tactics and forming alliances and playing games – it's not just for nerds and geeks."
Sponsors for New Zealand teams include New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, FedEx Express, Smales Farm, Glidepath, US Consulate and Massey University.
Professor Maddox hopes more sponsors will come on board to ensure the success continues.
"There are opportunities for New Zealand industries to identify and support this talent."
- © Fairfax NZ News
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