ROBOFEST 2021, SLIIT’s annual yearly robotics competition for aspiring young engineers from schools and universities, concluded on a successful note recently with the multi-talented participants showcasing their innovation and the future of robotics.
Organized by SLIIT’s Faculty of Engineering, this year’s competition was held for the 11th milestone year with Team Newwera, from the University of Moratuwa triumphant in the University category and received Rs 50,000 in prize money. Coming in as 1st Runner-up was Team CircuitBreakers, also from the University of Moratuwa received Rs 30,000 and Team cyberClan, from the University of Peradeniya was placed as 2nd Runner-up and presented Rs 20,000. The consolation prize was bestowed on Team Aura from the University of Moratuwa.
Team Atom, representing Rahula College Matara won the school category and was awarded Rs 30,000. 1st Runner-up was Team Moir Robotics Junior, Elizabeth Moir School who received a prize of Rs 20,000, the 2nd Runners-up was a tie with Team RAJANS#TRONICS from Dharmaraja College, Kandy and Team Moir Robotics from the Elizabeth Moir Junior School. Both teams received Rs 15,000 each. The school consolation prize was presented to Team Universe representing Hartley College who received Rs 3,000.
Commenting on this year’s competition, Dr Anton Hettiarachchi, Senior lecturer, Faculty of Engineering Department of Electrical and Electronics said, “We are extremely proud that SLIIT’s ROBOFEST has gained popularity over the years and become a yearly anticipated robotics competition among schools and university students. The competition is also a great platform for young, aspiring engineers to showcase their passion for science and technology and their talent. ROBOFEST 2021 has also helped them to expand their creative vision and develop solutions that could one day become real-world applications.”
At the close of registrations for ROBOFEST 2021, under the university category, 37 teams had registered from 13 universities. While in the school category, 44 team representing 29 schools applied. Moreover, showcasing the wealth of university talent, 18 teams from four universities – University of Moratuwa, Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenepura and SLIIIT, achieved the 1st task and of these, eight finalists were selected – University of Moratuwa, Peradeniya, and SLIIT. Additionally, in the school category, there were 18 teams from 15 schools that completed the 1st task.
Overall, ROBOFEST 2021 received a total of over 400 student registrations, with over 180 achieving the 1st task and about 60 students participating in the finals.