Success at “Electronics Day 2017”
On 7 December Electronics Day took place at Riga Technical College for the 4th time, bringing together every year a large number of electronics and robotics enthusiasts. The event has become the largest meeting of children and young people, where those interested can test their skills and knowledge in building electronic models, and also take part in various side activities, extending the limits of their abilities.
During the day the participants could take part in an electronics contest, making the propellers of model aeroplanes spin and the diodes on their wings light up. The club leaders, meanwhile, took part in a seminar that discussed the situation in the world and in Latvia in the field of electronics and robotics, examples of good practice in Latvia, and current issues in the professional development of educators in STEM extracurricular education.
In the second half of the day the mini sumo robot competition organised by the RTU robotics club took place. There were tense fights among 40 robots. In parallel there was a cycling competition in virtual reality, a quiz in the field of electrical science for the knowledgeable, and anyone could test their physical abilities by pedalling a bicycle and finding out which electrical devices could be powered with the energy produced.
The Preiļi Robotics Club also did not miss the chance to take part in this event. Toms Vilcāns and Matīss Buks went to the electronics contest, and not in vain – the aeroplane they developed won 3rd place. 9 of our young people took part in the robotics competition and were assisted by 9 of the club’s youngest members – 18 participants in total. Despite various technical problems before the competition, all the robots started successfully and achieved excellent results. In nerve-racking and fierce fights 2nd place was won by the robot of Lauris Šmeiksts, and Reinis Ķiberis took 3rd place. For each of the podium places won, the club received a new Sumoboy 2.0, as well as tasty treats.
In the wonderful atmosphere of the event the pupils assessed the technical condition and abilities of their robots, while newcomers gained motivation for the future.
Rasa Saulīte and Katrīna Golubicka, members of the robotics club