Robot wars at Breifne College

It was high tech to the fore last Saturday when the Broadband Connection Point (BCP) National VEX Robotics Competition took place at Cavan’s Breifne College.

Described by organisers as a “resounding success”, the event featured a strong field of competitors, including teams who have qualified for the prestigious World Championships in Dallas, Texas.

The VEX Robotics program is a series of competitions and educational resources targeted at encouraging young students to learn Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) concepts, with different levels for various age groups including VEX IQ for younger students and VEX V5 for older minds.

Cavan was well represented with three teams participating in both grades.

“The local teams showcased their exceptional skills and dedication to robotics, making their community proud,” says Daniel Peeters, Broadband Officer with Cavan County Council, and one of the organisers of the robotics competition in conjunction with Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork.

Mr Peeters is also a local coordinator of the National Broadband Plan (NBP), and was instrumental in establishing the Townhall Digital Suite in Cavan Town which focuses on the use of virtual reality, robotics and drones.

Success

“In the VEX IQ competition, the children representing Gallonray BCP stood out and were honoured with the Judges Award, recognising their outstanding performance and innovative approach,” he explained, adding that similarly, in the VEX V5 competition (secondary schools), the Judges Award was won by Teach Oscail, highlighting their “excellence and commitment to robotics”.

Mr Peeters points to how the event came to fruition in the county.

“As part of the NBP, 12 community centres in Co Cavan became a Broadband Connection Point (BCP) and most recently the Department of Rural & Community Development (DRCD) rolled out a programme, providing robots to communities in conjunction with local schools,” he said.

“What we did was go out to the BCPs and speak to volunteers and kids attached to the local school. We held workshops in schools and gave them a robot that they could build.”

Out of that, says the local expert, emerged the BCP National VEX Robotics Competition which was represented by schools in Cavan, Dublin, Offaly, Donegal and many more.

“The idea is that under the robotics programme, communities and students are given a robot to build. They then code or programme the robot, learn to control it and the finished product makes its way to the competition that was held last weekend.”

On the day, the awards were presented by council Cathaoirleach T.P. O'Reilly, and Minister of State Niamh Smyth, which Mr Peeters says: “Brought a special significance to the achievements of the participants.”

“The competition provided an inspiring and educational experience for all involved, fostering innovation, teamwork, and a passion for STEM.”

The success of the event underscores the importance of continued support and investment in education in the community.

Overall, the BCP National VEX Robotics Competition was a testament to the talent and hard work of the young participants and their mentors, setting a high standard for future events.”

He also says the robots involved will now become part of the community, and the next step is to attend schools and community centres with pupils and volunteers to start the training.

“My job is to encourage students and volunteers to become involved so that is what will be happening next,” he concluded.