7th World Robot Olympiad kicks off in Philippines

MANILA - The 7th World Robot Olympiad (WRO) kicked off in Manila Saturday, attracting some 1,000 young contestants from over 30 countries, Xinhua reported.

Philippines is hosting the event for first time.

In the Regular Category of the competition, games like “Knock and Secure Bottles” and “Pole Climbing” were organised.

Elementary school contestants participated in the “Tour the Philippines” contest, where the robots were tasked to trace a line from a starting point, knock down a bottle, secure and carry another bottle to the finish line.

For senior high school contestants, their robots are required to climb up and down two poles to collect two balls on top. Each team consisted of two to three students with one coach, and was eligible to participate in either the Regular Category or the Open Category.

In the Open Category, contestants showcased customized robots with unique features and functions, in line with the theme “Robot Promote Tourism” or “Dynamic Robots Promote a National or Cultural Heritage of your Country”.

The World Robot Olympiad was first held in Singapore in 2004. This annual event, which brings together young people from across the world, is to develop their creativity and problem solving skills through educational robot competitions, the organisers said.