Congratulations to BotBuilders, a Northgate-based robotics team that captured the top spot at the Melbourne Robotics Tournament, showcasing the skills and creativity of local youths in a challenging competition!
Unexpected Triumph
On their first outing to the Melbourne Robotics Tournament held from the 5th to 7th July 2024, the BotBuilders, comprised of teenagers and young adults aged between 15 and 21, impressed seasoned competitors by winning the event.
The team participated in the FIRST Robotics Competition, an off-season event that allows teams to test and refine their robots and strategies between official seasons.
Team Dynamics and Preparation
The BotBuilders team, which gathers at a studio in Northgate, consists of members from across Greater Brisbane, extending as far as Rochedale and up to the Sunshine Coast. Guided by adult mentors, these youths take on various roles, from mechanical and electrical design to programming and strategy.
Their collaborative efforts over nine weeks are focused on designing and building a robot capable of competing under strict game rules.
Despite being new to this level of competition, the BotBuilders used two off-season competitions—the Melbourne Robotics Tournament and Duel Down Under in Sydney—to hone their design, manufacturing, and coding skills. Their robot, noted for its compact design and agile performance, excelled in the 2.5-minute matches by navigating a basketball-sized field and scoring points efficiently.
Future Aspirations
Mrs. Pollard, a coach of the BotBuilders, remarked on the importance of robotics in fostering confidence and resilience among youths, especially those who might feel out of place in other settings. The team is now focused on developing their skills further for their official competition season starting in January 2025, with aspirations to qualify for the FIRST Robotics World Championships in Houston, USA.
The BotBuilders are actively engaging in community activities to raise funds for their upcoming competitions. They will showcase their robotics talents at several local events, including the RoboRave Australia World Championships, The Pine Rivers Show, and The Ekka, where they aim to promote STEM and their team’s achievements.
