Young engineers from Australia and New Zealand to face off in robotics live final

After the dazzling Robotronica festival that took place at the Queensland University of Technology last month, another exciting robotics event is scheduled to take place in New South Wales.

Namely, 23 student teams from Australian and New Zealand universities will face off in the 2015 National Instruments Autonomous Robotics Competition (NI-ARC) final on 22 September at the University of New South Wales.

The 2015 competition is intended to encourage students to develop their skills and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths – collectively known as STEM.

This year’s main theme is “Transport and Roll-out”, so the teams’ robots will have to complete a number of tasks such as navigating to a loading bay, collecting goods, navigating to drop off zones, and avoiding both static and dynamic obstacles.

The competition focuses on the growing use of robotics in the transport and logistics sectors.

“We have already begun to see a significant rise in the reliance on automation and robotics in the transport and logistics sectors,” said Chandran Nair, Director for National Instruments Asia-Pacific region.

“Initiatives like the NI-ARC encourage young adults to engage with STEM, and equip students with the necessary skills for the economy of the future, ensuring Australia and New Zealand remain at the forefront of innovation.”

The winner of the NI Autonomous Robotics Competition will get $2,500, while second and third place will collect $1,000 and $500 respectively. A bonus prize of $500 will be rewarded to the team with the best robot design.

Universities competing in the final are: Macquarie University, University of Sydney, University of Western Sydney, University of Wollongong, University of New South Wales, University of Technology Sydney, Queensland University of Technology, University of Melbourne, Swinburne University, RMIT, University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, Flinders University, University of Tasmania Australia, Curtin University, University of Waikato, University of Auckland, Massey University, Manukau Institute of Technology, and  Victoria University of Wellington.

For more detailed information about the event, please go to http://australia.ni.com/