Edutech and Qatar Independent Technical School to host '3rd Qatar National Robot Olympiad' in Doha

A total of over 15 teams have signed up for the competition to be held on October 25, 2009, and will vie for a spot at the 'World Robot Olympiad 2009' in South Korea as Qatar's official delegation. Supported by the WRO Committee, LEGO Education and Qatar Petroleum, the event will be attended by representatives from Qatar Petroleum, the Supreme Education Council, Qatar University, Qatar Foundation and ICT QATAR.

Launched by Edutech for the first time in 2007 to select participants for the World Robot Olympiad (WRO), 'Qatar NRO' is a unique competition for mid-school and high-school students to test their innovativeness, creativity and technological abilities in the world of robotics. Participating teams will be required to solve basic robotic problems within a predetermined time limit using a set of standard equipment and parts.

This year, participants in the Open Category will have to assemble a robot following the theme 'Artist Robot' and demonstrate their creation's unique capabilities both in a verbal and written presentation. Each team will be judged according to their robot's relevance to the theme, creativity, technical superiorly and overall presentation.

ASF Karim, CEO, Edutech Middle East, said:

"The third edition of the 'Qatar National Robot Olympiad' is poised for a significant showing this year, as we have come up with a theme that will challenge the artistic and the technological abilities of students, which we are certain will result in a spectacular presentation of local talent. In the process of identifying the students who will represent Qatar at the 'World Robot Olympiad', we are also aiming to communicate to them the excellent opportunities in pursuing a career in technology and sciences. We are confident that this year's event will exceed the success of last year's Olympiad, and this is largely due to the support of our partner sponsors as well as the schools who have confirmed their participation."

Last year, Al-Khor International School (British Stream) emerged as the winner of the '2nd Qatar NRO', which was staged under the theme 'Saving Global Environment'. The winning team, who beat students from leading government and private schools in Qatar, was sent to compete at the 'WRO 2008' in Yokohama, Japan. Established in 2002 in Singapore, the 'World Robot Olympiad' is an annual event that gathers talented young robotics enthusiasts from various countries to exhibit their robotics and creative skills under multiple categories. The event has been to Thailand, China, Taiwan, and Japan, with this year's competition set to be held in Kyoungbuk, Pohang, South Korea from November 06 to 08, 2009.

"We were impressed by the interest Qatari students have shown for this competition, which reflects the younger generation's aim to progress, learn and develop their skills to become truly globally competitive professionals who will drive the future of Qatar in the technological and sciences arena. Similarly, the commitment shown by Edutech to this annual event is equally commendable, and we are proud to be working with them in this initiative. We are very excited to see who will win this year's top prize," said Mohammed Bahlool, General Manager, Qatar Independent Technical School.