News

CQ kids create their own Olympics in Junior Robotics Comp

05 August 2024
Two primary students sit on the floor of a sports stadium with their mechanised robot, iPad controller and competition mat. Students are pictured in various activity behind them.
Two students watching their robot compete in the Rescue Mission category

By Sala Mkoka

The CQ Junior Robotics Competition returned for its 21st year, seeing 282 primary and secondary school students compete at CQUniversity’s Rockhampton North campus recently (Friday 2 August 2024).

Students from 15 schools across Bundaberg, Gladstone, Biloela, Thangool, Rockhampton and surrounds, creatively constructed their robots to compete in categories of Dance, Soccer and Rescue Missions, testing their mechanical skills in a range of STEM skills such as programming, mathematics and engineering.

CQ Junior Robotics Competition Organising Chair Jason Bell said the competition is one of the biggest events on the calendar year for the students and said that the students learn the most on the field when their skills are put to the test.

“We’ve been watching the Olympics and we recreated that for the students with bronze, silver and gold medals – but the biggest thing the students will get out of the competition is the learning,” Mr Bell said.

“The competition brings out their problem-solving skills, teamwork, communication, and even inspiration from other teams’ designs.” 


CQU Robotics Comp Organiser and IT staff Jason Bell stands in a sports stadium with a CQU Engineering banner. Students are engaged in various activity in the background.
CQ Junior Robotics Competition Organising Chair and CQUniversity Senior Research Technologies Officer Jason Bell

Having been involved in the competition since its inception, Mr Bell said that each year the students bring new innovations and said that investing in the next generation of kids in STEM is what keeps him passionate in each iteration of the competition. 

“Every year it’s a surprise what the students bring – there’s always a new innovation from programming, engineering and robotic construction," he said.

“For example, instead of using LEGO® to build their robots they’ll use proper robotic kits, or instead of using pre-built sensors, they’ll actually design and build these themselves.

“This is what I’m passionate about – seeing kids in both primary and secondary getting really interested in science, engineering, programming, and IT; and many of those who participate in the competition eventually then come to the University and study in these fields.”

Year 11 competitor Daniel Spiryagin from Rockhampton Grammar School has been competing since he was in primary school and has developed a keen interest in the field of STEM, also competing in the Hydrogen Grand Prix that took place earlier this year. 


Competitor Daniel Spiryagin works with his robot on a replicated mini soccer field as he tests the sensors with a robotic ball and his laptop. Competition attendees and officials are in the background.
Rockhampton Grammar School competitor Daniel Spiryagin tests his robot and programming before the soccer match

With an aim to pursue a career in engineering, Daniel is honing his skills and the application of complex equations, all whilst enjoying the thrill of competing.

“I really like the fun of competing and learning more about programming and my favourite part is applying maths for the robots to follow complex movements and follow trajectories,” Daniel said.

“There are a lot of problem-solving skills involved as well as the application of knowledge from the classroom like maths to real-world tasks. You also learn a lot about mechatronics with the different kinematics of robots and applying control algorithms for them. 

“It was good to see so many participants this year fostering a very encouraging environment for all participants new and returning.”

This year’s competition winners are: 

  • Primary Rescue   
    1st place: LD 13 - Bundaberg East State School
    2nd place: Trinity 1 - Trinity College Gladstone 
    3rd place: Sigma Ohio - Bundaberg East State School
     
  • Secondary Rescue   
    1st place: Trinity Secondary 3 - Trinity College Gladstone
    2nd place: Emmaus 3 - Emmaus College (Rockhampton)
    3rd place: Trinity Secondary 2 - Trinity College Gladstone
     
  • Open Rescue 
    1st place: Rob Mac and the Roberts - Lighthouse Christian School
    2nd place: BZB - Chanel College
    3rd place: Chanel Confetti - Chanel College
     
  • Primary Dance
    1st place: Paris 2024 Farnborough State School
    2nd place: Trinity Primary 1 - Trinity College Gladstone
    3rd place: Barbie Land - Bundaberg East State School
     
  • Secondary Dance
    1st place: Disco - Lighthouse Christian School
    2nd place: Magic Lamp - Chanel College
    3rd place: Baguettes - Rockhampton Grammar School
     
  • Soccer
    1st place: RGS RobotNiks - Rockhampton Grammar School
    2nd place: Trinity Soccer 1 - Trinity College Gladstone
    3rd place: Trinity Soccer 2 - Trinity College Gladstone

The CQ Junior Robotics Competition is a community-based educational initiative and is held every year for primary and secondary students from across Central Queensland (Mackay to Bundaberg and West to Longreach).

Competition sponsors include: RoboCup Junior Australia, Modern Teaching Aids (MTA), The University of Queensland, CQUniversity, CQUniversity Bookshop, and Century 21 Solutions.

More information about the competition can be found on the event page.

To watch the video from last year's 20th annual event visit the CQUniversity News YouTube channel.


Primary students sit on the floor of a sports stadium with their mechanised robots, laptop and competition mat. Other students are pictured in various activity in the background.