Australian teams showcase science and technology skills at FIRST competition in Hawaii

A strong contingent of Australian teams travelled to Honolulu to showcase their science and technology skills at the 2014/2015 Hawaii Regional FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition.

Five teams from Australia were among almost 40 teams from five countries who participated in this year’s event.

Thunder Down Under (NSW) was particularly successful in Hawaii, finishing as the recipient of the Entrepreneurship Award, Woodie Flowers Award, a Dean’s List Finalist and runner-up for the Safety Award.

In the highly contested Aerial Assist robot game, Thunder Down Under finished in the top eight and qualified as an alliance leader for the elimination rounds. In another standout result for the Australian teams, Rowville Secondary College won the Rookie Inspiration Award.

In Australia, FIRST is coordinated by Professor Michael Heimlich, of Macquarie University’s Faculty of Science. “The biggest impact is made on the participants themselves, who are undertaking real engineering, going to university and developing an understanding of the importance of science and technology. It is very gratifying to see Australian teams performing so well on the international stage after just five years as part of the FIRST program,” said Professor Heimlich.

“In big news for our FIRST participants, the official Australian Regional has been approved for 2015 and is tentatively scheduled for 20-22 March in Sydney. Teams from all over Asia Pacific, as well as the United States, are planning to participate in this event,” he said.