The winning group of the Lego Robotic competition: Sekolah Menengah Sains Miri

The students presenting their ideas to the panel.

Group photos for the participating students

One of the students deep in concentration during the competition.

A student testing her creation as the other participants look on.

The creation of functional robots has long been relegated to the laboratories of meticulous scientists, who spend years researching and developing new technologies, materials, and methods of robotic construction.

However the experts at UCSI University invited a team of high-school students to take part in a robot-building session, eschewing traditional materials and tools to peek their interest in Mechatronic Engineering. Incorporating light, audio, and motion sensors that responds to programmable software, the students' creativity were indeed aroused.

UCSI University's Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment had successfully organised this Lego Robotic Competition together with SMK St. Columba, and GES Global Education Services in Miri, Sarawak from the 10^th to 11^th July 2012. A total of 14 groups from 10 schools around the region participated in the event.

Besides efforts to make science, technology, engineering and mathematics irresistibly fun for the next generation,

other aims of the event was to nurture the students' interest within the field of Mechatronics, to develop and strengthen the students' critical thinking skills such as problem solving skills, creative thinking skills, interpersonal communication skills and collaborative teamwork skills and also to help students build a solid foundation in mathematics, science, technology, design and ICT through hands-on experience.

"This workshop has provided a powerful learning platform to develop and strengthen critical and creative thinking and social skills within the students, which is essential pre-requisites for success in further studies and their future careers. These skills include problem-solving, creative thinking, interpersonal communication and collaborative teamwork skills," said En Muhammad bin Ismail the teacher in charge from SM Sains Miri, whose group won the competition.

"Through this workshop we expect the students to develop logical, critical and systematic thinking, enhance their creativity in problem solving and raise their awareness of many possible ways to achieve the desired outcome. I also hope that this will become an annual programme," he added.

To kick-off the competition, the students were given an introduction about Mechatronic Engineering, explaining to them the processes of making simple models such as humanoids, and animals which only use less complicated sensors. The students were then given the task to create their own robots within their teams before programming their creations to function.

 "Before this, we did not have much understanding of the mechatronics programme but now we realise that this discipline includes mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, software development, motor and system innovation as well as information technology," said one of the participating students.

"We were very interested to learn more about this programme as all this while we did not fully understand what it entailed. Now that we are aware, we recognize that mechatronic engineering has good prospects and high potential in Malaysia," concurred yet another student.

This programme marks the initiative and effort of UCSI University and the government schools in promoting technology, innovation and robotics to the students even before they enter into the higher education sector.

For more information on UCSI University's engineering programmes, activities and the scholarships offered, do visit us during our Open Days from the 8^th  to 9^th September 2012 (between 9.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.) You may also contact our counsellors at 03-9101 8880 or visit: www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/onlineenquiry/

Otherwise, visit the UCSI University website at www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my