Robotics at School
Secondary
Secondary school students interested in becoming involved in robotics should consider doing a selection of the following subjects. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of robotics this list is fairly broad. (note that this should be taken as a guide only)
- Mathematics - Mathematics is important in most areas of science and technology, and students wishing to be involved in robotics at a tertiary level would be advised to take both senior mathematics B and C if possible.
- Physics - Physics is also critical to the study of robotics, as it provides the foundations for thdesign of the electrical and mechanical systems which make up a robot.
- Engineering Technology - Engineering Technology is a relatively new subject and is only offered at some schools. Many of the ideas it introduces are relevant to robotics as well as other engineering fields.
- Information Processing Technology - IPT provides students with basic software skills which will allow them to more easily grasp the languages used in the programming of robotic systems.
- Metalwork - Metalwork (shop B) is useful for gaining a solid grounding in the practicalities of metal fabrication, which will aid in the production of sound practical designs.
RoboCupJunior
RoboCupJunior Australia is a nation-wide robotics initiative aimed at fostering an interest in robotics in children aged 8 to 18. The program develops the participants' skills in robotics and technology in a fun and engaging environment.
Teams of students participating in the program must design and build a robot or robots able to complete a certain task (challenge). A number of challenges are available, each with its own set of problems to be overcome. The three challenges currently run are detailed below.
- Soccer - In the soccer challenge students must produce a team of two soccer playing robots, which play competitive matches against other teams using a special ball and field. The ball is designed so that it constantly emits infra-red light in all directions, allowing robots to locate it. The field is surrounded by walls on all sides and has a greyscale floor which allows robots to determine where in the field they are. The soccer challenge is open to all students (primary and secondary) and is often highly competitive.
- Rescue - In the rescue challenge students must design and build a single robot able to find and 'rescue' a victim. In recent years this has consisted of following a line to a patch of 'quicksand', which must then be searched in order to locate the victim. This challenge is open to students (primary and secondary) up to and including year 9. A more challenging version also exists, where in addition to locating the victim the robot must collect it and return it to the starting position. This Premier Rescue challenge is open to all students.
- Dance - In the dance challenge students must design and build a robot or team of robots to perform to a piece of music. This challenge has two sections - primary school and open. Note that primary school students should feel free to enter the open category.
Students participating in RoboCupJunior are invited to take part in the annual competitions held around Australia, where teams can compete against other students in their chosen category.
For more information follow the links below.