Home NEWS National Robotics Championship destined to spark problem-solvers of tomorrow in Sydney

National Robotics Championship destined to spark problem-solvers of tomorrow in Sydney

Dec 17, 2021

sydney_australia — Photo Credit: BESydney

The NSW Government’s commitment to cementing Sydney’s position as an APAC innovation capital has taken another step forward with the securing of the national division of the world’s largest robotics competition, VEX Robotics Australia National Championships 2022. In a deal secured by BESydney, the event will be run 3 – 4 December 2022 at Quay Centre, Sydney Olympic Park with the scope to return in future years.

VEX Robotics aims to increase student interest and involvement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on, affordable, and sustainable robotics engineering programs.

The National Championships welcome approximately 1,600 visitors over the two-day program. Teams of students apply robotics engineering skills along with valuable life skills including communication, collaboration and time-management, in a fun and authentic way to solve prescribed robotics skills challenges. The competition program is designed to prepare students to become future innovators.

VEX Robotics organisers say that 95% of competition participants report an increased interest in STEM subject areas and pursuing STEM-related careers after taking part.

Competition opportunities begin from grade 5 and continue through to tertiary aged students. Teams can register for the competition season at RobotEvents.com and find out more about competition opportunities at roboticseducation.org.

Stuart Ayres MP

NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, The Hon Stuart Ayres MP, said the VEX Robotics Competition in Sydney would bring classroom learning to life in an engaging and innovative way, showing students that their passions can lead to bright and prosperous futures.

“As technology is evolving as it is for students, STEM is a subject area we should have our children embracing. The NSW Government is committed to the active promotion of STEM and life sciences studies. We are focused on creating programs and opportunities that engage students, inspire them to study STEM and prepare them for STEM enabled careers. With the work we are doing to build excellence and create jobs in the industries of the future, these talented individuals will be able to see clear career paths here in NSW.“

Technology powerhouses Atlassian, Canva and SalesForce all have a big presence in Sydney, and the city is known for its buzzing start-up scene with approximately 50% of Australia’s tech start-up companies based here. All this is underpinned by a strong university sector – with the University of Technology Sydney, University of NSW, University of Sydney and Macquarie University all known for their excellence in AI and robotics research and education programs.

Winners of the National Championships will go on to attend the World Championships in Dallas, Texas run from 24 April – 4 May 2023, to compete with up to 11,500 teams from 45 countries.

Further information is available at https://www.besydney.com.au/.