Latest news with #VEX
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
WC robotics team prepares for VEX Robotics World Championships
Over a year ago, Washington Catholic's Ethan Armstrong, Jace Hammer and Kaden Yonce started working on their team robot for this season's VEX Robotics contests. They tweaked designs. Changed the coding to run THE CARDINAL multiple times, rewrote manuals and have spent countless hours finding ways to have a edge over the other teams they face. 'We started working on this robot right after Worlds last year,' said Armstrong, who said VEX releases the challenge for the competition year at the conclusion of the world championships. All that work and dedication has paid off as the trio of WC Cardinals will head to the VEX Robotics World Championships May 6-8 in Dallas, Texas, where they will be one of more than 800 qualifying teams to take the field. 'We qualified on a skills challenge,' said Armstrong, a senior who plans to continue pursing his passion for robotics at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology in the fall. 'Right now, there are 840 teams who have qualified to go to Dallas for Worlds.' The path to earning a spot in the world championships where they are guaranteed 10 qualification matches has included eight contests. 'Before, there were some contests we would go out of state for but this year, the contests were all around Indy and southern Indiana,' said Armstrong who serves as the driver for THE CARDINAL. Those contests netted multiple awards for the team including three tournament championships and multiple skills and creator's awards including one at the state championships earlier this month. The set up for worlds will be just like the others this year. 'We will have a minute and 45 seconds for driving,' said Yonce who serves as the team drive coach. 'The first 15 seconds the robot cannot move with human intervention.' Hammer's job is to make sure THE CARDINAL is prepared for the challenge. 'I'm the mechanic. I help set up the field and make sure we have full batteries and plenty of air,' said Hammer, adding the team works with coach Ryan Hoyt after school at least three days a week. While THE CARDINAL will be the only WC robot heading to Dallas, thanks to robotics grant from the Indiana Department of Education, the high school was able to form two additional robotics teams this year. 'This is the first year we've been able to have more than one team,' said Sarah Voges, Washington Catholic marketing director. 'Those funds have really allowed us to expand the opportunities for our students.' While grants help pay for equipment, they don't pay for the cost of travel to the world championships. The cost of the trip is around $5,000 and those wanted to support the students can bring cash or checks to the parish office. For more information email Hoyt at rhoyt@ Check out the video of THE CARDINAL in action at
Arab Times
09-02-2025
- Science
- Arab Times
Kuwait's 2nd National Robotics Championship kicks off with over 800 participants
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 9: The second edition of Kuwait's National Robotics Championship kicked off on Sunday at Kuwait University (KU), drawing over 800 students from both public and private schools. This prestigious event, organized by KU in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Public Authority for Youth, serves as a qualifier for international robotics competitions, including the global VEX competition. Speaking to KUNA on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Mohammad Bin Sabt, Acting Dean of the College of Science at KU, highlighted the high level of participation, with more than 170 teams from across the country competing in a variety of challenges. Dr. Bin Sabt emphasized that the winning team would earn the opportunity to represent Kuwait at the VEX global competition, a significant international event for robotics. The competition features several key categories, including the VEX Robotics challenge, SeaPerch, Aerial Drone competitions, and the Open Innovation Challenge. The latter focuses on practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing real-world problems. Dr. Bin Sabt underscored the importance of AI, explaining that students are tasked with developing solutions to issues such as traffic management and school cafeteria operations using AI technology. In addition to the championship, Dr. Bin Sabt announced that the College of Science, in collaboration with the College of Life Sciences, plans to introduce two new academic programs in AI and cybersecurity in the upcoming academic year, starting in September. This move reflects Kuwait University's ongoing efforts to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in rapidly advancing technological fields. He also noted that over 400 Kuwaiti students are currently pursuing postgraduate studies in AI and cybersecurity, a dramatic increase from just 20 students in 2016. Nasser Al-Sheikh, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Youth, also spoke about the event's role in fostering a culture of innovation among Kuwait's youth. He emphasized that the championship aligns with Kuwait's broader vision of advancing technology and innovation, offering young people a platform to showcase their talents and contribute to the country's technological progress. Al-Sheikh expressed his admiration for the enthusiasm and commitment shown by participants, wishing them success in representing Kuwait on the international stage. The championship also included an exhibition showcasing the work of government and private schools, ministries, and institutions, including KUNA. These exhibitors presented their innovative projects, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence, demonstrating the growing interest and investment in the field across various sectors of Kuwaiti society. With its focus on robotics, AI, and problem-solving, the National Robotics Championship not only highlights the growing interest in technology among Kuwaiti youth but also sets the stage for future advancements in the country's educational and technological landscape.
