The National Skudai Robotic Challenge (NSRC) 2024 has emerged as a notable event, reflecting effective collaboration between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and various organizations. Co-hosted by UTM, Mechabotics Technology Sdn. Bhd., Micro Concept Tech, and the Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), with Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Skudai as the primary host, the challenge showcased the capabilities of UTM’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE), which contributed with its faculty members, assistant engineers, and students to the event’s success.
Partnership Evolution
The partnership commenced in 2019, initially involving FKE imparting knowledge and skills in innovation and robotics to the SMK Skudai Robotics Club, with an emphasis on robot programming using Tinkercode. This initiative became a core element of the club’s activities, enhancing collaboration that led to various joint STEM education programs, including innovation projects and initiatives related to the Internet of Things, setting the stage for NSRC 2024.
Event Highlights
This year’s challenge included two categories of robotic competitions: Mikrobot and Mechabot Rush, attracting participants from across Peninsular Malaysia, with over 60 teams competing from four states. The event underscored its significance as a platform for promoting innovation and education in scientific and technological fields among students.
Aims of NSRC 2024
NSRC 2024 aimed to foster young talent in robotics while promoting creative problem-solving and technical skills, aligning with Malaysia’s objectives for advancing STEM education. The follow-line robot competition was a noteworthy aspect of the challenge, where participants sought to navigate through checkpoints swiftly, showcasing technical precision and innovative solutions. Competitors worked in pairs, developing their robot codes under time constraints without teacher assistance to stimulate critical thinking and creativity.
Recognition and Awards
YB Marina Ibrahim, Member of the State Legislative Assembly for Skudai, attended both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, recognizing the efforts of participants, organizers, and sponsors.
Mechabot Rush Results
In the Mechabot Rush category, the top five teams were acknowledged for their technical skills, with Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar from Johor Bahru earning first place, followed by SMK Convent from Batu Pahat in second, and Kolej Permata Insan from Negeri Sembilan in third. SMK Tinggi Batu Pahat secured fourth place, while SMK Bandar Baru Uda from Johor Bahru completed the top five.
Mikrobot Results
In the Mikrobot category, SMK Taman Selesa Jaya from Johor Bahru took first place, with SMK Skudai in second, and SMK Pulai Perdana from Kulai finishing in third. Kolej Permata Insan and SMK Mohd Khalid from Johor Bahru captured fourth and fifth places, respectively.
Conclusion
Overall, NSRC 2024 highlighted skill, creativity, and teamwork, demonstrating the impact of collaboration on learning and offering students opportunities to excel in robotics. The event established a solid foundation for future developments in robotics and STEM education in Malaysia.
(Original source: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia)
