FPT School students Represent Vietnam at an Esteemed International Robotics Tournament

The FPT3DN.Robotown team (FPT Danang High School) has been selected to represent Vietnam at the First Championship 2024 robot tournament, scheduled to be held in Houston (Texas).

First Championship is a prestigious international technology tournament with over 30 years of history. Held annually in the United States, it encompasses competitions such as the First LEGO League, First Tech Challenge, and First Robotics Competition, drawing participation from nearly one million students representing over 100 countries.

As part of the 2024 First Championship tournament, FPT3DN.Robotown will be competing in the First Tech Challenge (FTC). Distinguishing itself from other technology competitions, FTC not only involves designing and constructing robots but also requires teams to engage in fundraising, brand design, and communication efforts to foster a vibrant robotics community. The cornerstone values of this community are "Kind Professionalism" and "Resonant Competition."

During the competition, teams engage in both competitive and collaborative activities to share the traditional cultural heritage of their respective nations.

In 2024, Vietnam hosts the First Tech Challenge for the first time. FPT University is the sole entity authorized by First (USA) to organize a robotics tournament in Vietnam according to the format and standards of the First Tech Challenge, known as FTC Vietnam.

At the FTC Vietnam event, 26 teams from high schools nationwide participated in the National Final. The FPT3DN.Robotown team earned the Inspire Award and secured the opportunity to represent Vietnam at the FTC tournament in the US. On April 15, the team will depart for the US to participate in this competition.

The FPT3DN.Robotown team earned the Inspire Award. Photo: FTC Vietnam

FPT3DN.Robotown has met several criteria, including demonstrating a professional spirit, maintaining a respectful attitude, making positive contributions from each member, maintaining high-quality and meticulous technical records, showcasing a creative spirit, innovating in robot design and construction, and conducting themselves professionally during interviews.

Sharing about the preparation process for the upcoming FTC competition in the US, Do Thi Gia Hoi (team captain) highlighted a unique challenge: unlike other robot competitions she has participated in, at FTC, robots must be able to manipulate paper airplanes, autonomously navigating within the first 30 seconds to accomplish tasks set by the organizers. This presents a difficult challenge for the team, necessitating a focused effort on improving and perfecting the robot's capabilities.

"We are also rehearsing performances and assembling gifts that embody Vietnamese cultural heritage to pleasantly surprise and showcase the traditional charm of Vietnam to our international peers," Gia Hoi added.

MSc. Le Ngoc Tuan - Head of the Professional Committee of First Tech Challenge Vietnam - emphasized the importance of viewing FTC as more than just a competition but an opportunity to learn, share experiences, and forge connections within the robotics community.

FPT Schools students engage in AI and robotics studies. Photo: FPT Schools

In recent years, Vietnamese students have shown a growing interest in technology, keeping pace with emerging trends. At FPT Schools, students begin learning and engaging with AI and robotics from the first grade. The institution has dedicated efforts to researching, developing, and integrating AI, robotics, and technology-related knowledge into its curriculum through the "Smart World Experience" program, which runs alongside the Ministry of Education and Training's standard curriculum.

In this program, students delve into AI and robotics using smart devices from UBTech and VexIQ, alongside learning programming languages like Scratch, Python, graphic design tools, and 3D printing. Through collaborative efforts, students undertake STEM and AI projects that relate to real-life applications.

Source: https://vnexpress.net/hoc-sinh-fpt-schools-dai-dien-viet-nam-tham-du-giai-robot-quoc-te-4733647.html