Young innovators take centre court at robotics showdown

By Lucy Stafford

Robots rolled, danced, tackled rescue missions and battled it out on the soccer field as hundreds of young innovators descended on CQUniversity's North Rockhampton campus for the 23rd Annual Central Queensland Junior Robotics Competition.

The CQUniversity Community Sports Centre was buzzing with creativity, teamwork and excitement as 283 students from 17 schools across Central Queensland, forming 116 teams, travelled from Bundaberg to Mackay to put months of design, coding and problem-solving to the test.

From navigating simulated rescue challenges to performing choreographed dance routines and competing in robot soccer matches, students showcased the skills they had developed in classrooms, coding clubs and after-school programs across the region.

The free competition challenged primary and secondary students to design, build and program robots capable of completing a range of real-world-inspired tasks, while developing their knowledge in engineering, mathematics, coding and creative thinking.

CQ Junior Robotics Competition Organising Chair Jason Bell said the event offered students a unique opportunity to bring their ideas to life and experience the excitement of technology in action.

"There's something special about watching students see their hard work pay off after months of planning, building and testing," Mr Bell said.

"Yes, they're building robots, but they're also learning how to work as a team, think critically, solve problems and bounce back when things don't go to plan.

"You can see the confidence grow throughout the day as students overcome challenges, support each other and celebrate their achievements. That's what this competition is really about."

Competition courts were filled with the sounds of whirring motors, cheering teammates and enthusiastic supporters as students put their robots through their paces in front of judges, teachers, families and spectators.

Mr Bell said the event continued to play an important role in inspiring the next generation of innovators at a time when technology-related careers were expanding rapidly.

"Robotics, automation and artificial intelligence are becoming part of everyday life, and many of the jobs these students will work in don't even exist yet," he said.

"Events like this help young people discover what's possible and show them that the skills they're developing now can lead to exciting opportunities in the future.

"It's incredibly rewarding to see students become so engaged and passionate about STEM and to know this competition could be the spark that shapes their future career path."

The day's program featured an opening ceremony, competition rounds across the rescue, dance and soccer categories, finals and an awards presentation recognising the achievements of participating teams. 

For more information about the CQ Junior Robotics Competition, visit cqjrc.cqu.edu.au.