Robotics tilt champs all set to compete on world stage

POSTED BY: Lionell Go Macahilig
2018-08-12 20:33:00 PHT

The 17th Philippine Robotics Olympiad (PRO) recently concluded on a high note, continuing its legacy of promoting among students the opportunity of expanding their horizons through science and technology, specifically through robots and robotic systems in schools. Embarking on the theme Food Matters, the event culminated at the activity area of Fisher Mall in Quezon City on June 14, 2018.

Organized in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Science Education Institute-Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the event highlighted the winning entries of the Philippines during the World Robot Olympiad 2017 in Costa Rica. PRO also held demos and testimonials from robotic enthusiasts as well.

"The PRO generates early interest in science and technology. The event encourages our youth to be our future scientists, engineers, and inventors. The Robotics program is an exciting development in education," Mylene Abiva, National Organizer, Philippine Robotics Olympiad, and President/CEO, FELTA Multi-media Inc.

During the competition, the participants used Lego Robotics which can be manipulated using an EV3 or NXT brick, a microcomputer that serves as the brain of Robolab inventions. The participants also employed computers to design a program with command icobs. Eventually, the program was transferred to the EV3 brick via Wi-Fi and the robots were commanded to move in various ways through designated challenges.

This year, PRO anticipated more than 800 public and private schools nationwide to participate in the national competition. The grand winners will represent the country in the World Robot Olympiad 2018 to be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand from November 15 to 19, 2018. Fifty-seven countries from all over the world joined this year's World Robot Olympiad.

The 17th PRO is supported by Intel Education, Asia Pacific Colleges, Inteco Isuzu Dealerships, Astrotel, Fisher Mall, Microsoft, Omizu Water, De La Salle Lipa (dry-run venue), Ateneo de Manila University (teacher's training venue), and iCreate Cafe Manila.