The National Skudai Robotic Challenge (NSRC) 2024 has emerged as a significant and highly anticipated event this year, highlighting the successful collaboration between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and various other organizations. UTM served as the co-host of the event, partnered with Mechabotics Technology Sdn. Bhd., Micro Concept Tech, and Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) to bring the event to realization. The primary host of NSRC 2024 was Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Skudai, which played a pivotal role in organizing and supporting the program. The event demonstrated the dedication and expertise of UTM’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE), represented by the lecturers, assistant engineers, and students, who worked diligently to ensure the program’s success.

The seeds of this collaboration were sown back in 2019 when FKE began transferring knowledge and skills related to innovation and robotics to the SMK Skudai Robotics Club. This initiative, focused on using robot with Tinkercode programming, became part of the club’s regular weekly program. Over time, the connection between UTM and SMK Skudai deepened, leading to the implementation of numerous joint programs related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education such as innovation program, tinkerbot as well as internet of thing project, that set the foundation for the NSRC 2024.

This year’s event showcased two robotic competitions for categories: Mikrobot and Mechabot Rush. These categories attracted widespread participation from across Peninsular Malaysia, with more than 60 teams competing from four different states. The enthusiasm and energy surrounding the event underscored its success as a platform to promote innovation, robotics, and education in the fields of science and technology among school students.

The NSRC 2024 served as a milestone in nurturing young talent and fostering interest in robotics. It also acted as a catalyst for promoting creative problem-solving and technological skills in line with Malaysia’s goals of advancing STEM education. NSRC 2024 featured a follow-line robot competition where participants aimed to complete checkpoints in the shortest time, showcasing technical precision and innovation. During the program, student in a group of 2 need to discuss and enhance their robot codes to ensure their group successfully complete the task within allocated time. At this point, they were quarantined where their teacher could not help them to code the robot. This ensures innovative, creative, and critical mind to ensure the code works well.

Both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies were graced by the presence of YB Marina Ibrahim, Member of the State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) for Skudai, who officiated the ceremonies and commended the efforts of all participants, organizers, and sponsors.

In the Mechabot Rush category, the top five winners displayed remarkable technical ability. The winners are Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar (EC) from Johor Bahru claimed the first-place position, followed by SMK Convent from Batu Pahat in second place, and Kolej Permata Insan from Negeri Sembilan in third. Fourth place went to SMK Tinggi Batu Pahat, while SMK Bandar Baru Uda from Johor Bahru secured fifth.

Similarly, in the Mikrobot category, SMK Taman Selesa Jaya from Johor Bahru emerged as the champion, with SMK Skudai taking the second spot. SMK Pulai Perdana from Kulai earned third place, followed by Kolej Permata Insan from Negeri Sembilan in fourth, and SMK Mohd Khalid from Johor Bahru in fifth.

In addition to being a competition, the NSRC 2024 was a celebration of skill, creativity, and teamwork. It illustrated how collaborations can propel learning forward and give students the chance to succeed in robotics. By cultivating these abilities and giving young innovators a stage, the program has established a solid basis for upcoming developments in robotics and STEM education in Malaysia.

This article was written by Nurul Ashikin Abdul-Kadir, Mohd Afzan Othman, Nasrul Humaimi Mahmood, Nur Ainani Ali
For more STEM activities: may visit fke.utm.my/stemrbtk

Source: UTM NewsHub