Cook Islands Robotics Competition held at the Cook Islands Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) University of the South Pacific (USP) yesterday, saw a number of students gather to showcase their knowledge in robotics and eagerly learn more.

The competition was only for 14 to 18-year-olds in Rarotonga.

Challenge coordinator Mii Nimerota said the purpose of the competition is to select the first five team members to represent the Cook Islands at the international Global Robotics Challenge in Singapore on October 4 -7.

This would be a fully sponsored and funded trip for five young Cook Islanders and two mentors.

“Without having any technical skills or any prior experience with robotics, this is an opportunity to see the students and know their inspiration and motivation for leadership, communication and team work skills and abilities- making a team successful,” she said.

She said the first Cook Islands team to participate in the international robotics event was in 2019, in Dubai.

This year with the theme renewable energy specifically, Hydrogen energy, students will have the chance to learn about clean renewable energy challenges, and learn how science, technology, engineering, global cooperation and robotics can help solve our energy crisis.

CEIT will train, mentor and support the team leading up to the First Global Competition in October.

Dana Enoka said she joined the competition because her dad who is into IT inspired her and she saw the competition as an opportunity to learn more.

Edward Patai said he wanted to learn something new and it would be good to represent his country.

Adison Rowe said this was something he would like to do in the future and it would look good on his resume. Jim Brown is the lead mentor for the Cook Islands Robotics team with Terry Tangimataiti being the facilitator.