The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has been promoting the policy of “A Sustainable Taiwan Through Stronger Science” in recent years. Through various science activities, the NSTC has given young scholars to the ability to transform the future by helping them accumulate knowledge on science and technology as early as possible. Talent in instrument technology is the basis of many forms of scientific research. The Taiwan Instrument Research Institute (TIRI) has executed NSTC policy to establish a comprehensive and cross-discipline R&D service platform for instrument technology. In addition, the TIRI has been committed to training domestic talent in scientific instruments. In conjunction with the Taiwan chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the TIRI will hold the NARLabs Cup Smart Robotics Competition. Students are welcome to sign up for this competition until March 2. On March 16, 2024, the competition will be held at National Tsing Hua University Engineering Building I (101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu). College students with an interest in smart robotics are welcome to put their creativity and knowledge to the test in a chance to take home an NT$50,000 prize.
NARLabs Cup Smart Robotics Competition has two events. The first is a speech competition. The speeches can be on any topic related to mechanical engineering, but must be delivered in English. The speeches will be judged on a student’s ability to analyze and share information on their mechanical engineering related topic, or the research results conducted during their studies. TIRI hopes that this event will give students a chance to enhance their ability to deliver speeches in an international environment.
The second, and main, event is a design competition. Every year ASME holds a competition centered around a specific theme. Robot Mini Golf is the theme for 2024. The organizers have set up seven types of obstacles on a model golf course with fairways and greens. Just like a real golfer, robots will have to try and hit their ball into the course’s holes. After sinking a ball, the robot must get itself to the next tee. The challenge of this competition is that after robots enter the course, they can only be moved via remote control. Like in a real game, robots will have to shoot uphill and on even ground. This will test the accuracy of the robots and the operation finesse of the students. To make the competition more interesting and attract more participants, the organizers have also added a “Closest to the Pin Prize,” as well as “Best Robot Design Prize” to encourage creativity.
The NARLabs Cup Smart Robotics Competition will provide an exchange platform for instrument technology fundamentals within Taiwan while inspiring students to think creatively and practically. Through this international-style competition, students can learn to work together while increasing their ability to be creative and solve problems. TIRI has become a force in promoting the advancement of industry technology and the consolidation of international competitiveness by training the next generation of scientific research talent in instrument manufacturing. In addition, TIRI has invited businesses to join this competition to create benefit throughout society by encouraging and supporting the passion of young scholars interested in instrument technology. Additional information will be posted on the event’s official website https://www.tiri.narl.org.tw/ASME and Facebook page.
