Global Robotics Challenge Fosters Collaboration, Inspires Future Engineers
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – A recent robotics competition showcased not only technical skill but also a spirit of international collaboration, as teams from over 190 countries converged to troubleshoot, repair, and even rebuild robots during a high-stakes challenge. The event, organized by FIRST global, highlighted the importance of mentorship and hands-on experience in cultivating the next generation of engineers.
The “robot hospital,” a dedicated repair space at the competition, became a focal point of this collaborative spirit.Volunteers provided essential tools and support to teams facing unexpected challenges. Janet Kapito, electrical engineer and operations manager at Robotics Foundation Malawi, noted the value of the experience, stating, “[The volunteers] get to see different perspectives and understand how people think differently.” She added that it was rewarding to witness students independently solve problems.
The competition wasn’t without its dramatic moments.When the Ecuadorian team’s robot was delayed in transit, students utilized parts from the robot hospital to construct a replacement, enabling them to compete. The Tanzanian team also benefited from the hospital’s resources, working to repair a mechanism crucial for climbing a rope.
Collaboration extended beyond individual repairs. When the South African team encountered mechanical issues, students from Venezuela, slovenia, and India joined forces to provide assistance. “It was truly inspirational, and such a great effort in bringing teams from over 190 countries to come and collaborate,” said Joseph Wei, director of IEEE Region 6.
Mentors and coaches played a vital role, offering guidance based on their own experience – many being past participants themselves. Rob Haake, a mentor for Team United States, emphasized the importance of student-led design and construction. “I tried to stay as hands-off as possible…so if you asked me to turn on the robot, I don’t even know how to do it,” he said.
Haake, COO of Weiland, Inc., stressed the need to develop both technical skills and critical thinking abilities in students, as they represent the future of the tech industry. He also highlighted a critical need for more team mentors, urging engineers to connect with local schools to help establish or support robotics teams, offering either financial donations or their time. He believes such mentorship could lead students to future participation in FIRST Robotics Challenges.
