SVG robotics team ranks 67th in global challenge in Singapore

A team from St Vincent and the Grenadines placed 67th out of 191 countries in a global robotics challenge that took place in Singapore recently.

The 2023 First Global Challenge (FGC) took place from October 7 to 10, with the theme “Hydrogen Horizons,” and required participants to utilize their creativity and problem-solving abilities to design and construct a proficient robot using a standard parts kit. The team’s challenge was navigating the robot in a simulated environment, producing hydrogen, and employing it for energy storage, transportation, and conversion.

The team from St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) comprised Jair Patrick, (a first-year student of the SVGCC), Shekinah Campbell, Daniela Duncan, Tia Gunmunro, and Nicholai Williams (second-year students of the SVGCC). Mentor Ozni Daniel, Timothy Gellizeau and Leader Brodlon Daniel accompanied the Team.

The team’s 67th position marked a considerable improvement from their previous performance in 2022 where the Team placed 80th out of 192 countries.

“This achievement not only reinforces SVG’s growing prominence in the field of robotics but also highlights the importance of nurturing and supporting young talent in the STEM fields,” a release from the team said.

The Team’s participation was made possible through the sponsorship of Gibson’s Building Supplies, National Lotteries Authority, St Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC), St Vincent Motors Ltd, Hazel Gun-Munro, National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) and Rhonzy’s Admin Services.

“The Team extends thanks to those who made this opportunity possible. Thank you for making the dreams of many young students of STEM come to life with your support,” the release said.

“It is through competitions like FGC that students are provided with the opportunity to enhance their skills, learn from their peers, and push the boundaries of their capabilities.

To see our robot in action Join us at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Electricity Services(VINLEC) National Science and Technology Fair. National Science Fair in November.”

FIRST Global believes that by making science and technology as exciting as any other sport, we can inspire the world’s two billion youth to pursue Science Technology Engineering, and

Mathematics (STEM) fields and be the leaders who collectively solve our planet’s most pressing problems.