IG news Update,
The 25th annual Manitoba Robot Games returned to Winnipeg on Saturday after a three-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We had to cancel 20 games about a week ago. So frustrating on half the students,” said Allan Pollard, Manitoba Robot Games executive.
“There is a lot of disappointment, but we are happy to be back. There are a lot of students here. Most of the students are back.”
Games began at 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the gymnasium of Tech Wok High School.
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The competition is open to students from Kindergarten to Class XII. For months, teams of students have worked to design and build a robot for a competition of their choice.
The event consists of 16 different competitions, where robots with names like Yeti, CUL8R, and British Toast Mach-K go head-to-head in things like sumo wrestling, super mayhem, robo-critters, and competitions for Legos.
Organizers say the competitions are a great way for students to gain an understanding of real-world design and engineering and come with benefits such as practical skills, problem-solving, teamwork and knowledge of electronics and programming. The program also helps students cultivate an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math, otherwise known as STEM subjects.
“We start in elementary school, which is where you really start to build enthusiasm and interest in STEM subjects.” Pollard said.
“And then if we can make it through high school, we can get them into university and then into engineering.”
“We need more scientists and engineers and architects and mathematicians in biz.”
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