The First Robotics Competition is in Sydney over the weekend of March 15-17. 

The event brings together students and mentors to build robots that perform in a competitive but gracious environment against teams from all over the world.

Camden Haven High School robotics teacher mentor Jasper Pengelly said the 2019 team was fantastic and members had been working hard through their holidays to kick off the design and building process. 

The 2019 event requires teams to build a large robot which is capable of multiple space-themed challenges.

Mr Pengelly said he feels confident going into the first round of the competition in Sydney. 

The team in 2019 has increased in size with 25 students, six staff and two parents. 

Mr Pengelly said it’s wonderful to see female students getting involved in the robotics field, which traditionally has been male-dominated. 

In 2019 there are 13 female students and 12 male students from Camden Haven High School in the competition. 

The competition sparks a team bonding experience, with older students mentoring younger students during the weeks leading up the event. 

Mr Pengely said it’s wonderful to witness the mentoring across the student generations and the diversity of the group. 

He said it’s important for young students to look up to older students as role models. 

Robotics, Mr Pengelly said enables students to learn a whole range of skill sets including cooperation and communication skills. 

Mr Pengelly said while the group is large it’s a ‘tight team’ which is working well together. 

The theme of the 2019 challenge is space and the team will have to build their robot by mid February to align with the competition’s rules.