World Robot Olympiad Regional Competition participants at the University of the Western Cape. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

The distinct sound of school shoes scampering across the wooden floors of the Jakes Gerwel Hall at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) filled the air as participants in the World Robot Olympiad Western Cape Competition vied for a place in the national finals.

Many learners arrived in their uniforms, whilst others wore specially made t-shirts emblazoned with their robotics team's name in bold lettering across their chests. Rows of tables stretched across the breadth of the hall, appearing cluttered with Lego building blocks, notebooks, and laptops. However, closer inspection made it clear that this was organised chaos.

The learners had built their robots before arriving at the venue and brought their creations to compete. During the competition, they coded their robots to move forward and backwards, maneuvering around obstacle course mats by lifting and shifting objects on the course.

This regional competition represents the first round of the World Robot Olympiad Western Cape competition that leads to the national finals and ultimately to the global finals in Singapore in November. Overseeing the teams and coordinating all proceedings is Cedric Esterhuizen, Chairperson of the World Robot Olympiad Western Cape.

Participants had to manoeuvre their robots on an obstacle course during the World Robot Olympiad Regional Competition at the University of the Western Cape. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

"This is the Explorer Lite and Explorer Prime competition, so the oldest participant is 15-years-old. After this, they compete in age categories," explained Esterhuizen.

Esterhuizen walked the course with a watchful eye on the learners, the judges keeping score, and the digital countdown clock positioned in the corner of the Jakes Gerwel Hall. He explained how participants apply classroom coding knowledge in practical competition settings.

"They use block-based coding—what people call Scratch—which is freely available online. It's part of the coding and robotics curriculum currently running within the Department of Education, and that's precisely what they're demonstrating. They have to code from scratch, so the judges check their devices to ensure nothing is hidden. We look for specific file extensions and delete any pre-existing code from their laptops to maintain a level playing field."

Lego EV3 robots use EV3-G as their programming language, whilst Spike Prime robots utilise Scratch or Micro-Python to bring their creations to life.

The UWC Education Faculty proudly hosted this competition. In 2022, the faculty established its first Robotics Club and has since expanded its robotics teaching and learning programmes.

Dr Anthony Williams from the UWC Education Faculty served as Master of Ceremonies at the World Robot Olympiad Regional Competition at the University of the Western Cape. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

Dr Anthony Williams, manager of the Richard Van Der Ross Resource Centre at UWC’s Education Faculty, served as Master of Ceremonies on competition day. He highlighted South Africa's  robotics achievements: "SA roboteers are making their mark on the global stage. In 2014, we came second in Russia in the impressive Innovators category. In 2016, the Helderberg Robotics Club achieved fifth place in Robot Soccer in New Delhi, competing against 90 countries. In 2017, the Protea Heights Club secured sixth place globally, and last year the Helderberg Robotics Club finished fifteenth worldwide in İmir, Türkiye, in the advanced robotics category. This competition at UWC marks part of the beginning of this year's international journey that will culminate in Singapore".

The event maintains a fun atmosphere while healthy competition thrives amongst the learners. A notable example was a Grade 4 girls' team from Hermanus Primary School on the South Coast of the Western Cape. They chose to wear headbands with bunny ears—an eye-catching touch that didn't diminish their serious competitive approach during the regional leg of the two-day competition.

This Olympiad is a gateway for primary school learners to establish and progressively develop their coding and robotics knowledge. The competitive yet enjoyable two-day event elevates classroom learning, allowing participants to refine their practical robotics and coding skills in an inspiring environment.