It's a FIRST as UOIT hosts provincial robotics competition

Youth from across Ontario will present transformative transportation ideas

OSHAWA, ON. - The best young robotics minds from across Ontario will be in Oshawa to tackle the challenge of transforming transportation, when the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) plays host to the annual For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Lego League (FLL) provincial championships.

Approximately 500 students, ages nine to 14, and another 200 parents, volunteers and judges will be on hand for the FLL competition, which encourages students to apply math and science concepts to research, design, build and program autonomous robots using Lego Mindstorms software. Despite the young age of the participants, the competition is designed to have teams delve into real-world scientific issues, with this year's challenge focused on accessing people, places, goods and services in the safest, most efficient way possible.

Teams earned their spots at the championships after taking part in practice tournaments and then one of 11 regional qualifiers. Once at UOIT, they will compete in four categories:

• Robot performance - score on the playing field;
• Robot design - how well they demonstrate their understanding of robot design;
• Teamwork - how well they demonstrate working together to achieve a common goal; and
• Project - how well they demonstrate their solution for a real-world problem, and the research behind their solution.

When:
Saturday, January 16
8:30 - judging begins
10 a.m. - opening ceremony
10:20 a.m. to noon, 12:50 to 3 p.m. - robot matches
3 p.m. - awards ceremony

Where:
UOIT
Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre gymnasiums
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa

Parking:
Follow Founders Drive south from the Conlin Road stoplights to Avenue of Champions and then continue along to the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905-721-8668 ext. 2209
905-809-4763
tony.doyle@uoit.ca