Nearly 30 teams of high school students were at Humber College’s North Campus on March 18 and 19 to take part in the FIRST Robotics District Competition.

The event, which was offered in partnership with For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Canada, had the teams and the robots they created competing against each other using skills that combine sport, science and teamwork.

The students built robots to perform prescribed tasks against the field of competitors. The teams worked collaboratively to both build and program the machines.

“The skills you have learned to be here go beyond just robotics,” said Gina Antonacci, senior vice-president, Academic at Humber. “You worked together to solve challenges and prepare for this competition. It is through teamwork and cooperation that you will find success in this competition and beyond this gymnasium into your chosen educational path and career.”

The theme for this year’s competition was CHARGED UP and it addresses challenges related to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #7 that’s focused on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all.

Teams with the highest rankings moved on to the FIRST Robotics Competition Provincial Championship, which is a qualifier for the World Championships in Houston, Texas.