Two talented learners from Milestone College in Rusape, Zimbabwe, recently made their province proud by representing their country in the esteemed 2023 First Global Challenge in Singapore. Natalie Mupotaringa and Tavonga Musariri were integral members of a five-person team, which also included Tanatswa Taremba, Tinashe Kwiri, and Christwish Ushewokunze from Tynwald and Queen Elizabeth high schools, respectively.
The First Global Challenge, an international robotics competition, drew participants from 196 countries. This year, the theme of the competition was “Hydrogen Horizons,” which tasked the students with utilizing hydrogen robots to separate hydrogen from oxygen in order to generate energy.
Robotics, a field encompassing engineering and computer science, focuses on the design, manufacture, and operation of robots. The objective of robotics is to develop intelligent machines capable of assisting humans in various domains. Zimbabwe’s youthful five-member team performed exceptionally well across six categories, showcasing their robotics skills, creativity, and technical prowess.
Applauding the students for their remarkable achievement, Mr. Stewert Mderere, the patron of the Milestone College robotics team, commended their creativity, teamwork, and perseverance in building and programming their robots. Despite being the youngest team in the competition, the students showcased confidence, enthusiasm, and the determination to learn from the experience. They represented both their college and their country with distinction, garnering recognition and praise.
Moreover, the team triumphed in the Africa Science Buskers competition and the Arundel Educait Hackathon competition, securing gold medals. These impressive victories are a testament to the students’ dedication and innovation within the field of robotics.
Participating in international robotics competitions offers students the invaluable opportunity to network, connect with industry professionals, and potentially find mentors. These global platforms facilitate the exchange of knowledge, broaden perspectives, and lay the foundation for future partnerships between schools at an international level.
To further encourage students’ involvement in robotics, Milestone College established a robotics club in August. This initiative aims to provide students with hands-on experience in designing, building, and programming robots. By partaking in the club, students have the opportunity to develop valuable technical skills, such as coding, engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork. These skills not only enhance their college and career prospects but also foster critical thinking and nurture an entrepreneurial mindset.
The remarkable achievements of the Zimbabwean robotics team exemplify their commitment to expanding their knowledge and improving their abilities in diverse areas such as coding, engineering, electronics, and innovation. Their participation in international competitions not only showcases their talents but also highlights the potential for these projects to solve real-world problems. With adequate funding and support, these young innovators can make significant contributions to society while honing their skills as the future leaders of the tech industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is robotics?
Robotics is a branch of engineering and computer science that involves the creation, design, manufacturing, and operation of robots. Its aim is to develop machines that can perform tasks autonomously or in collaboration with humans.
2. What was the theme of the First Global Challenge in 2023?
The theme of the 2023 First Global Challenge was “Hydrogen Horizons.” Participants were required to use hydrogen robots to separate hydrogen from oxygen and harness the energy produced in the process.
3. What are the benefits of participating in international robotics competitions?
Participating in international robotics competitions offers students the opportunity to network, connect with industry professionals, and potentially find mentors. These platforms enable the exchange of knowledge, foster new perspectives, and lay the groundwork for future collaborations between schools on an international scale. Additionally, these competitions help develop critical thinking skills, enhance technical abilities, and encourage innovation.
4. What is the purpose of the robotics club at Milestone College?
The robotics club at Milestone College was established to provide students with hands-on experience in designing, building, and programming robots. By being part of the club, students can develop valuable technical skills such as coding, engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork. Participation in the robotics club can also enhance college and career prospects.