Last weekend saw the finale of the national tournament in robotics. More than 150 kids from all Belarus gathered in the Olympic reserve center in Zhlobin. The youngest participant was just 8 years old while the oldest was 18.

Young technicians presented many innovative developments and robotized tools, such as: Smart home and elevator, metal detector, farmer’s assistant, retailer, storage sorter, mini farm. It’s great that every project deserves to be implemented in life.

In order to partake in the finale, kids had to try their skills against rivals during regional heats. This year the judging panel had representatives of the Ministry of Education and National children’s techno-park.

Ruslan Smirnov serves as the Head of the Main Department of Education of the Gomel Regional Executive committee and speaking of the finale he noted the importance and significance of hosting such an event in Zhlobin during the year of quality. It is nothing less than trust and colossal responsibility, says mister Smirnov. In his address to participants, Ruslan Smirnov said: “You are the future technicians, the future of the country’s IT-industry. I hope you will use your knowledge for the benefit of our Belarus.

In total, the guys had 9 categories to choose from to compete: “Roborace”, “Follow the line”, “Grand excursion”, “RoboCupJunior RescueLine”, “The baton”, “Unmanned aerial vehicles”, “3x3 football match of manned robots”, “15x15 intellectual sumo” and “Robbo”. Every category has its winners and the received 1,2,3 degree diplomas and other prizes.

Besides the tournament, our young innovators could take a trip to Belarusian steel plant. In its workshops, the guys saw the production process and at the plant’s museum, they learned the plant’s history, customs and its role in the global steel market.

Guests and spectators had a good pastime as well. They could see a robotics and innovations exhibition “Industry 4.0.” and its content was developments of students of the country’s institutions of learning.

The first national robotics tournament was organized to develop creative activity, attract students to design and technical activities in the field of engineering design and robotics, increase the prestige and popularization of scientific and technical knowledge, identify and support talented youth, and develop robotics in the regions of Belarus. Its organizers and participants are confident that such competitions will continue in subsequent years. It can become a tradition that will allow children to decide on their future profession and life’s work. Experienced teachers will help their students at the right time in self-realization, support of creative initiatives in the field of robotics, development of logical and critical thinking, and the ability to solve non-standard problems.