On February 24, 26 teams competed in the finals of the FIRST Tech Challenge Vietnam (FTC Vietnam), organized by FPT Edu, to secure a spot in the global finals in the United States.
The 26 teams, consisting of over 270 participants from grades 7 to 12, competed in the FIRST Tech Challenge 2023-2024 with the theme “The Next Generation Shaping the Future.” The teams were free to apply their knowledge and skills in programming and mechanical design using a basic kit of components, including control boards, motors, and sensors, to create robots that address the competition’s challenges.
On February 24, the finals of the FIRST Tech Challenge, featuring over 270 high school students, took place at FPT University, Hanoi. Photo: FPT University
In the designated competition area, the organizers set up various obstacles and challenges to test the robots’ operational capabilities. Among these, the requirement for robots to operate autonomously for 30 seconds is considered the most difficult challenge for the teams and their robots.
Teams are tasked with building and operating robots capable of drawing, performing creative tasks alongside humans, and even using paper airplanes created by the teams themselves. Robots earn points by overcoming obstacles or completing tasks. In each round, 2-3 teams are randomly paired to form alliances. The winning alliance advances to the next round.
Teams demonstrate their ability to build and operate robots through various rounds of competition with diverse challenges. Photo: FPT University
In the end, the FPT3DN.Robotown team from FPT High School Da Nang was selected by FTC Vietnam 2023-2024 to represent the country at the FIRST Championship, which will be held in the United States in April 2024.
The prize for FPT3DN.Robotown includes a FIRST-standard robot kit to be used in the global finals, as well as travel and accommodation expenses for the competition, with a total value of up to 300 million VND.
Previously, FPT University collaborated with FIRST to organize the international robotics competition FIRST Tech Challenge Vietnam to select the regional team that will represent the country at the global competition in April 2024.
In addition to the main competition, FTC Vietnam 2023-2024, FPT University organized the Open Robotics Challenge (VORC) to help high school students nationwide familiarize themselves with the competition format and experience the latest knowledge and technology in robotics. This program was held both online and offline in Da Nang and Can Tho.
This year, more than 2,000 students from 207 teams across 46 provinces participated in the program. Additionally, participants and teachers had the opportunity to engage with new robotics knowledge and technology through a series of workshops accompanying FTC Vietnam 2023-2024, featuring insights from over 10 international experts.
“Through the competition, we aim to build a nationwide robotics movement and community, thereby enhancing awareness of the importance of science and technology for the future development of society,” said Dr. Nguyễn Xuân Phong, Vice Rector of FPT University.
Currently, Vietnamese students are increasingly interested in technology and quickly adapting to global technological trends. Participation in FTC Vietnam and related activities provides high school students, especially those passionate about programming and robot design, with the opportunity to access cutting-edge global knowledge and technology.
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a non-profit organization for international youth, established in 1989. The organization oversees competitions such as the FIRST Robotics Challenge, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST LEGO League Challenge. Each year, its events attract nearly one million students from over 100 countries worldwide.
According to Vnexpress