Edutech launches Qatar's first-ever National Robotics Olympiad

The initiative will provide a platform for students from mid- and secondary schools in Qatar to test their creative ability, problem-solving skills and capabilities in robotic design, and will help in discovering the best robotics talent in the country. The competition has received a boost with Doha Bank and Qatar Scientific Club joining the event as strategic partners.

Based on the contestants' innovative, creative and technological ability, a panel of judges will select one winning team to be sent to Taiwan to compete in the international robotics championship at the World Robotics Olympiad (WRO), a world-wide robot-design competition to be held in Taipei from November 16-18, 2007. Edutech along with Doha Bank, Qatar Scientific Club and LEGO Education, a leading manufacturer and supplier of robotic solutions, will join efforts to send the Qatar team to the WRO. The company will also conduct a pre-event workshop to prepare the participants for the competition.

ASF Karim, Managing Director of Edutech, said, "Science and technology are fundamental to the development of a knowledge-based society and our main aim through this competition is to develop the students' interest and knowledge in robotics, and in turn contribute to every child's overall mental and social development. We are very pleased to organise this competition in Qatar, taking into consideration that its schools have a very high standard of education with robotics being used extensively in the curriculum, and the number of students opting for science and technology studies in the country has been growing steadily."

R. Seetharaman, CEO, Doha Bank, said, "We are pleased to extend our support and sponsorship to an event such as this, which serves as an ideal platform for talented children in Qatar to demonstrate their skills in robotics and mechanical engineering. We are glad that Edutech has brought this competition to Doha, which underlines the potential of the children here, and it also gives us an opportunity to continue supporting various initiatives in the country that will contribute to the development of the younger generation in Qatar."

At the Qatar 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 team will have to answer a series of questions from the panel of expert judges.

Lt. Col. Hassan Abdulla A. Al Abdulla, Secretary, Qatar Scientific Club, while praising Edutech's initiative in organizing this competition, said, "The Qatar Scientific Club aims to provide the right atmosphere to practise scientific hobbies, stimulate children and instill a passion for scientific creativity in them, while also encouraging scientific activities and developing an interest in science, modern technology and scientific research among the youth. The Robotics Olympiad promotes all of the above and fits our objectives very well."

Ali Saad Al Naimi, Head of IT department, Qatar Scientific Club added saying "Edutech's initiative to organize this competition in Qatar will not only promote technology-enabled learning but also help develop crucial skills in students, such as independence, responsibility, critical reasoning, and social interaction. We are glad to extend our support to Edutech, and urge all the schools in the country to take part in this competition."

"The Qatar National Robotics Olympiad will showcase the best robot designers and challenge the mechanical engineering skills of students. This competition is reflective of our dedication to stimulate education in science and promote students' technical skills and increase competencies in a variety of disciplines," added Karim.

Edutech launched the region's first robotics Olympiad in the UAE last year, which generated high interest among leading schools. Students from 'Our Own High School-Al Warqa' bested contenders in the national level and went on to rank 14th among 60 participants in its category in the World Robotics Olympiad 2006. Following the UAE's successful participation, Edutech has launched the national contest in Qatar this year to select a winning team to participate in World Robotics Olympiad 2007.

WRO is aimed at young scientists from around the world to showcase their creative ability and engage in a friendly robot competition to develop their analytical skills. World Robotics Olympiad 2006 was participated in by 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 it has since witnessed increased participation with a total of 21 countries competing this year and a larger involvement from the Middle East including Qatar, UAE and Egypt.

"The UAE team from 'Our Own High School-Al Warqa' brought great honor to UAE and the region in the 2006 event, and this year we are sending a total of three winning teams from Qatar and UAE to heighten the participation of the Middle East," concluded Karim.