This year’s WRO theme, Robots in Space, encouraged children to create robots that could help humanity explore the far reaches of the universe, work on space stations, carry out missions on the Moon or even simulated Mars surface missions. Participants built robots with self-driving mechanisms and carried out missions to solve everyday problems faced by humans and present innovative solutions to them. The final round involved 32 teams from all over Lithuania.
STEAM Klaipėda teams consisting of 12 students were accompanied by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gediminas Gricius, STEAM Klaipėda Methodologist, who prepared them for the decisive stage of the competition.
Once the competition started, the young engineers worked independently. After being given their tasks, the students worked on their solutions without the help of a coach demonstrating creativity, logical thinking, technical skills, and teamwork.
The responsible preparation of Klaipėda teams proved that the younger generation is not only familiar with modern technologies, but also has the courage to apply them in real-life situations.
The results of the three STEAM Klaipėda teams are impressive.
- Junior (11-15 years old) age group – 1st place and a qualification berth to Singapore.
- Future Engineers (14-22 years old) age group – 1st place.
- Elementary (8-12 years old) age group – 3rd place and a qualification berth to Slovenia.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gediminas Gricius was delighted with the team’s success. “Such achievements are the result of hard work, team spirit, and endless curiosity. We have a sincere and enthusiastic interest in technology, robotics, and programming,” the team coach shares his impressions.
The World Robot Olympiad has been held for two decades in more than 120 countries worldwide. Participants compete in different age groups and task categories to design, build, and program autonomous robots capable of performing complex tasks. Robotics activities help children to acquire technological, engineering, creative, and organizational skills that undoubtedly form a strong basis not only for innovation, but also for its intelligent management.
