Sparks fly as innovation ignited

MATT BROWN matt@topsouthmedia.co.nz

Sparks fly and the crowd roars –Cybertron’s front wheel is shredded into a million pieces. Its weapon, spinning at 1500rpm, now thump thump thumps on the wooden floor as it repositions itself for another crack at the Red Abomination.

Combat robots have come to Marlborough.

Nine teams of aspiring engineers designed, built and fought their robots as part of the Igniting Innovation Combat Robot event at MySpace on Saturday.

Organised by Marlborough Chamber of Commerce, the event saw world champion BattleBot engineers bring their Robot Rampage programme to the youth space.

The programme guides people through the robot building process using specially designed parts which make complicated circuitry available to anyone. Robot Rampage co-founder Jack Barker says it’s the first time the programme has been delivered only to young people – usually there’s a mix of young and old.

“It’s been the smoothest one we’ve done so far,” he says.

“They were given three hours [to design and build the robots], and most were done in two. They did better than adults.”

Seddon Cyber Crusaders, with their robot, Cybertron, were the eventual winners of the tournament.

They were confident in their eventual domination before the fights even began; “strength and stability” afforded by an extra wheel hoped to give them an advantage.

But it was nearly their undoing. MDC Thunderbolts team member Isaac Poole says they had to change tactics after Cybertron’s wheel was shredded.

“In the final, the opponent took out our front wheel, which meant our weapon didn’t have any ground clearance.

“We had to change tactics and only act when we were close to them.”

Marlborough Chamber of Commerce membership and events manager Louisa Murray says she was thrilled with the engagement from the community.

“There were so many parents, grandparents and families that came out to support. We’ve had great feedback,” she says.

She says the Robot Rampage programme is a great way to get young people interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

“Having a hands-on programme, like this, is so much more engaging than reading about or watching others do it.”

She says the hands-on nature of the programme especially apppeals to young people who might not be strong in the classroom

“There’s a pathway for everyone,” says Louisa.

The event was made possible with the help of sponsors Marlborough District Council, Top South Media, Jaycar Blenheim Electronics and REAP Marlborough.

“With continued support we can make it bigger and better,” says Louisa.