As Google's new acquisitions competed (and thrived) in DARPA's robotics challenge, school children ages 9 to 14 across the world regularly participate in Lego-based robotics competitions as part of the First Lego League. Though different in scale, both events are essentially structured in the same way. "Robathletes" must design robots to complete a series of assigned tasks.
A recent competition held in Lake Forest, IL (a wealthy suburb where Michael Jordan owns property) drew 16 teams from Lake and Cook counties, representing areas within and north of Chicago, the Vernon Hills Review reported.
Three categories tested the technological mettle of suburban grammar and middle schoolers in the areas of creativity, problem-solving, and working within a group, according to the Vernon Hills Review. For one task, competitors were to design Lego robots that could move Lego people out of danger and knock down Lego branches affecting Lego power lines.
To complete such a task, students, or more likely their coaches, must possess some knowledge of computer programming. Robots are designed to operate autonomously, or without a remote control. In most competitions, students are given a task several months in advance and use their practice time to develop an eloquent solution, any way they see fit, according to First Lego League's website.
"There's no set way to do it. It's all up to the teams to decide," Bill Steinbach, a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) teacher in Highland Park told Vernon Hills Review. "To see kids so excited about technology and competing, it's a wonderful opportunity."
Several teams advanced to the state tournament in February, according to Vernon Hills Review.
