Lawrence Tech Hosting Robofest Regionals

Seventy-one teams that have advanced from 10 qualifying events in Michigan will compete in the Michigan Regional Robofest Championship Saturday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Ridler Field House at Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W. 10 Mile Road, Southfield.

In this year's competition game, three pipes of a deepwater oil well are leaking. An autonomous robot must be sent to cap the leaking pipes, retrieve broken pipe assemblies, and collect data. Students need to solve math problems to achieve these missions.

Robofest admission and parking are free. Spectators can become judges to select people's choice awards. They may win raffle prizes.

For more information, call (248) 204-3566, email robofest@ltu.edu, or visit www.robofest.net.

Robofest is a competition of autonomous robots – computer-programmed to act independently and not radio-controlled – that encourages students to have fun while learning principles of science, technology, engineering, and math. Students design, construct and program the robots, and adult coaches are not allowed to assist during the events. Teams compete in the junior division (grades 5-9) or senior division (grades 9-12), using a variety of computer programming languages to participate in various  competitions such as games, exhibition, fashion show, and dance using various types of robots.

This year's 10 qualifying competitions in Michigan drew over 161 teams. Twenty teams will be selected from the Michigan regional competition to advance to the 12th annual World Robofest Championship to be held on May 7 at Lawrence Tech.