Over 30 teams and their robots in North Bay this weekend
Up to a thousand people are converging on the city for the North Bay FIRST Robotics competition.
It takes place Friday evening through Sunday at Nipissing’s Surtees Athletic Centre.
32 teams and their robots are taking part, including three from Michigan, with the rest from across Ontario.
“This event draws 800 to 1000 people to the city and to Nipissing University and does a fantastic job of showcasing all North Bay has to offer,” says Chris Minor, co-chair of the event.
This year’s competition game is called Reefscape.
Teams of three robots each place coral and collect algae on the playing field, then race back to their barge at the end of the match.
Officials say FIRST Robotic competitions foster team building with a focus on science and technology, personal growth through hands on technical exploration, a field of robot action elimination game, community outreach, and more.
“Nipissing University is a proud sponsor of this event, because Nipissing is the research hub of the north, so it only makes sense that we can see research moving into knowledge translation,” says Kevin Wamsley, honourary chair and President & Vice-Chancellor of Nipissing University. “We’re very proud to promote outstanding research and knowledge translation, problem solving and great character development to these students.”
Local team 1305 members, Matthew and Ryder, say they’ve heard from many participating teams that they’re very excited for the North Bay event.
‘Monsoon’ is the local team’s robot this year.
The competition is open to the public.
Officials say the best viewing times are Saturday from 11:30 am to the late afternoon, and on Sunday from 9:30 am to late afternoon.
Several awards are up for grabs and teams are looking to qualify for the provincial championship in Mississauga early next month (April 2-5).