Teams of young people from the regions’ schools, are invited to enter this innovative competition, which will be launched at an event on 25th November at Hills Road Sixth Form College. Teams should consist of students from Years 11, 12 or 13. The competition is being supported by some of the world’s largest tech companies, including ARM and Cambridge Medical Robotics.

Hills Road student Josh Holland who is helping to organise the competition said: “We are excited to have the opportunity to launch this competition to local Year 11 pupils and sixth form students. It is a wonderful opportunity for them to learn about robot design and programming or to showcase their existing robotic engineering skills, as well as for us all to demonstrate our technical abilities."

The rules of the competition will be released at the launch event and teams will have five months to build a robot before the final two-day competition in April 2018. Teams will be provided with the electronics needed to build a robot, but the mechanical design and how to solve the problems will be up to them. On the final day, the teams will have to demonstrate the skills of the robot within a bespoke-built arena, provided by fit-out and design company, COEL.

Edward Dodson, Director, Cheffins comments: “This innovative event is reflective of the importance of the tech and robotics industries in our region. As some of the city’s largest employers, this event will give students the opportunity to show off their robotics and engineering skills. Robotics are the next chapter in the tech industry and encouraging the next generation to hone their skills in this area is essential for the growth of Cambridge. Robotics companies continue to be the emerging influence on the Cambridge landscape and this important event for Cambridge schools will shed light on the tech industry and its significant contribution to the local economy.”

David Massey, Leader of Hills Road Robotics Group said: “Robotics, cybernetics and artificial intelligence are some of the most rapidly changing fields of science and technology, with tremendous opportunities for future engineers. This generation of students are the ones who will write the next chapter in technology and this competition may be the starting point for their careers. Several Hills Road students who became interested in engineering and robotics through the Robotics group and entering competitions have gone on to degrees and careers in this exciting field.”

No previous experience is needed, just an enthusiastic approach to problem solving. Teams will also be provided with additional advice and mentoring through on-line forums and regular weekend meetings. To register a team please complete the online form here