TORONTO, ONTARIO – High school students from across Ontario are taking a deep dive into marine innovation as they compete in the FIRST Robotics District Competition at Humber Polytechnic on March 18 and 19.
In partnership with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Canada, the event will take place at Humber’s North Campus, where more than 1,200 participants will attend, including 28 teams that will put their engineering, coding, and design skills to the test in ‘REEFSCAPE’ presented by Haas. This year’s challenge focuses on strengthening one of the ocean’s most diverse habitats by simulating tasks such as harvesting algae, seeding coral, and ascending to the ocean’s surface.
“Humber is proud to support the FIRST Robotics District Competition which exemplifies our commitment to innovation, experiential learning, and preparing students for the future of STEM careers,” said Ann Marie Vaughan, president & CEO of Humber Polytechnic. “Humber has always been a place where students find their edge. We equip our students with the skills, confidence, and experience that they need to stand out and succeed, making a tangible impact on the industries that help drive Canada’s economy forward. By providing high school students the opportunity to engage in hands-on, real-world challenges, we hope they will be inspired to consider future careers in STEM while contributing to the communities around them.”
Teams will design, build, and program their robots to navigate the competition field. The game requires two alliances of three teams each to compete in a fast-paced match where they earn points by completing specific underwater-themed tasks. Robots will also be programmed to operate autonomously at certain points in the game, challenging students to push the limits of automation and artificial intelligence.
"We’re thrilled to partner with Humber Polytechnic for this incredible event," said Dave Ellis, president of FIRST Robotics Canada. "This collaboration offers students an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate their skills, gain hands-on STEM experience, and explore how technology can drive impactful solutions to global challenges like ocean sustainability."
Teams that rank the highest at the district competition will advance to the FIRST Robotics Competition Provincial Championship, with a chance to qualify for the World Championships in Houston, Texas.
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About FIRST Robotics Canada
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Canada, a registered charity, is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12). Boosted by a global support system of volunteers, educators, and sponsors, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges. FIRST’s programs reach 300,000 students in 70 countries. FIRST Robotics Canada, a Canadian non-profit, started in 2002 and has impacted more than 30,000 Canadian students, fostering STEM learning and career pathways.. Learn more at firstroboticscanada.org.
About Humber Polytechnic
Humber is Canada’s competitive advantage. Like the world around us, we’re constantly in motion, creating a new expectation for education, while helping solve Canada’s wicked productivity problem. More than just a place to learn, it’s a place to belong. Offering the largest depth and breadth of programming to more than 86,000 learners, Humber is pioneering innovative and collaborative approaches to teaching and learning. With the support of our deep-rooted industry connections, dedicated faculty, and amazing staff, at Humber, we build brilliance every single day. Visit humber.ca to learn more.
For more information, please contact:
Sylvie Lendvay
Media Relations and External Communications Specialist
Humber Polytechnic
Sylvie.lendvay@humber.ca | 416.729.8940
Shanika Mahakul
Special Projects Coordinator
FIRST Robotics Canada
Shanika.mahakul@firstrobotics.org | 519.466.0664
