Local students gear up for high school robotics competition

Algoma District School Board students are gearing up for an annual high school robotics competition.

Teams from Korah, Notre-Dame-du-Sault, Superior Heights, WC Eaket, and White Pines will all be heading to Boreal French Immersion Public School this Saturday for a series of head-to-head matches.

“This season's competition is the VEX Robotics game ‘Over Under,’” explained the coordinator of the robotics program, Mark Carlucci, in a news release. “In a 2-on-2 format, teams will collaborate to maneuver triballs (acorn-shaped objects) into designated scoring zones.”

“The climax of each match involves an attempt by the robots to lift themselves off the ground, adding an exciting end before the buzzer.”

Carlucci says this will challenge students to apply their skills in robotics, coding and strategic planning.

Referee Jenna Caputo added the competition is about more than just a test of robotics. 

“It's an engaging platform where students apply their STEM skills in real-world scenarios. Designing, building, and coding these robots, they're not just competing; they're preparing for future technological challenges and opportunities."

The competition is free and open to the public, with matches going from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on December 9. 

Visitors can enter through the main entrance of the school.