Schwerdfische from Speyer win prize in the robotics competition!

Schwerdfische from Speyer win prize in the robotics competition!

What a success for the young talents of the Friedrich-Magnus-Schwerd-Gymnasium in Speyer! The “Schwerdfische” team won a special prize at the Hopp Foundation’s robotics competition, which was worth it! A total of 22 teams competed against each other in the SAP Arena, and the motto of the competition was “Assistance systems in everyday life”. Creative ideas had to be developed without the support of teachers, in the spirit of independent learning.

The challenge demands a lot from the participants. The task was not only to modify robot systems that come from Lego, but also to program them. The tasks were anything but easy: Among other things, garbage had to be identified and disposed of properly, and a robot had to be developed that would act as an assistant for visually impaired people. Against this background, the success of the “Schwerdfische”, who only narrowly lost to the overall winner, is all the more remarkable.

Award for innovative solutions

The performance was particularly impressive in the “Smarter Roller Shutters” category, where the team took first place. The sophisticated roller shutter opens automatically in the morning and closes at nightfall - a practical solution for many households! This brilliant idea was brought to life using simple materials such as string, adhesive tape and baking paper. The team was supervised by Felix Roth, who certainly has a good knack for promoting creative talent.

The entire event was divided into two sections. In the morning the teams presented the seasonal task, while at lunchtime the day's task was presented. The latter took place on a previously familiar playing field, and the task objects were quickly redistributed. An educational competition that not only tested the children's level of knowledge, but also their team play and creativity. The participants were between 11 and 15 years old and were selected according to the year of birth, so that they could not be older or younger than the requirements in that year.

Focus on MINT funding

The FIRST LEGO League, within which this competition took place, is a proven program for promoting STEM (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology) skills among young people. Through these programs, children not only learn basic STEM skills, but also self-confidence, teamwork and a positive approach to learning. It's a wonderful approach to awaken children's curiosity and get them excited about technology. Whether in the “Discover” area, where the MINT basics are taught, or in the “Explore” and “Challenge” area, where children build their robots and test their skills in battle against other teams – the possibilities are diverse.

Overall, the robotics competition was not only a stage for technical skills, but also an excellent opportunity to promote solidarity and creativity among the children involved. We can't wait to see how the “Swordfish” and their contemporaries will develop in the future!