UC helps local schools launch robotics programs

In an age when customers can have nearly anything delivered to their door with just one click, many industries rely heavily on automation.

Local students recently learned about supply chain management and distribution at the 2020 Robotics Competition hosted by University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement.

This year’s theme was the use of robots in warehouses and logistics hubs. Their design challenges were based on current industry concerns to limit risk of injury to human workers and enable robots to interface with a large variety of products. 

The students do not receive instructions on how to build a robot, but they do receive challenge criteria and a list of vetted resources to start from. 

The challenges are designed to be completed using the LEGO EV3/NXT and Makeblock Mbot platforms. Unfortunately, not all schools have the resources and funds needed to jump-start a robotics team, even if they have students who want to compete.

The event coordinators emphasize the importance of research and design in the competition. Judges assess each team’s research and design process just as much as the robot’s performance.

“In other competitions, students use robots that have been designed to shoot, grab and complete tasks that are required in the competitions,” Wittrock said. “Our participants have to research a theme, the challenge, and how robots are used in the real world.”

Sixteen teams of elementary through high school students presented their creations for judging in February at Withrow High School. Team Withrow #1 was recognized for overall total points for the high school division, and Mt. Healthy Elementary McNerds 3.0 for overall total points for the elementary school division.