Edutech to host the second edition of UAE National Robotics Competition under the patronage of UAE Ministry of Education

A panel of judges will select two teams to participate from two different categories in the World Robotics Olympiad 2007, which will be held in Taiwan from November 16-18. Edutech has doubled the number of teams it will sponsor to the event following the successful participation of the 'Our Own High School-Al Warqa' team last year, which ranked 14th among 60 contenders from all over the world.

The UAE National Robotics Olympiad is aimed at developing the creative ability, problem-solving skills and capabilities in robotic design as well as recognizing young talent in the country. Edutech, in collaboration with LEGO, the leading manufacturer and supplier of robotic solution, will sponsor the trip of the 2 winning teams to Taipei, Taiwan to participate in the international event.

"As the UAE progresses towards a knowledge-based economy, it is crucial that we keep pace with the latest developments in science & technology and develop proficient knowledge workers. The UAE National Robotics Olympiad is a step towards this goal as it provides a stimulating platform for honing skills in robotics design, which demands a working knowledge of electronics, mechanics and software. We feel encouraged by the strong support of the Ministry of Education and the overwhelming response from the educational institutions for this competition. We have pledged our full support to ensure the success of this competition and produce winners who are competent enough to win at the World Robotics Olympiad," said ASF Karim, Managing Director, Edutech.

At the UAE National Robotics Olympiad, 16-18-year old students will compete under the open category with the 'Civil Safety, Security and Emergency Response' theme and narrate a science fiction story through their constructed robots. In addition to the demonstration and presentation, the teams will have to answer a series of questions from the panel of expert judges. The regular category will be contested by 13-15 year-old students, who will vie under the theme 'Robo Ambulating Rally', where constructed robots must successfully maneouvre along a marked track while following traffic instructions and overcoming obstacles.

"Robotics is being used as an extracurricular activity in many schools in the UAE, having been proven to effectively hone the mental and engineering skills of young learners. Events such as the UAE National Robotics Olympiad, which stir the imagination and challenge mental capabilities, contribute a significant part towards the development of education," said H.E. Dr. Hanif Hassan Ali, Minister of Education. "We recognize Edutech and LEGO for its exemplary initiatives, as we urge all schools to take part in the second UAE National Robotics Olympiad. We are extremely proud of the UAE's participation at the World Robotics Olympiad 2006 and we are looking forward to another successful outcome in this year's event."

The World Robotics Olympiad 2006 featured a total of 17 countries including UAE, Australia, South Korea, China, Japan, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Denmark, Russia and Iran. The international robotic competition was launched in Singapore in 2004, and has since witnessed increased participation with a total of 21 countries competing this year and a larger involvement from the Middle East including Egypt, Qatar and Oman making their debut this year.

"Education is recognized as one of the pillars of a nation's progress, and our company has a firm commitment to provide the latest technology-enabled solutions that will enhance the learning experience of our students. The UAE National Robotics Olympiad promotes robotics, which is proven to help students build key 21st century skills such as creative thinking, problem solving, math skills, computer programming and effective social interaction. 'Our Own High School-Al Warqa' team put the UAE in the map of amateur robot design and brought great honour to the country, and we urge all schools to participate in the second national competition," concluded Karim.