Imagine a room buzzing with energy, where young minds battle it out not with swords or shields, but with robots they’ve designed, built, and programmed themselves. This is the world of high school robotics, and it’s far more thrilling than you might think. Last weekend, the Wired Weirdos, a robotics team from Korah Collegiate, claimed the top prize at the annual Algoma District School Board (ADSB) Robotics Competition, leaving their peers in awe and their future looking brighter than ever.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is robotics the ultimate test of a student’s problem-solving skills, or does it favor those with access to better resources and mentorship? Let’s dive in.
The Wired Weirdos, comprising Korah students Pranshu Trivedi, Cyan Rasheed, Dharam Patel, and Jimit Patel, secured The Excellence Award, a prestigious title that recognizes not just robotic prowess but also teamwork and innovation. ‘It feels very good to win,’ Jimit Patel told SooToday, his pride palpable. This victory wasn’t handed to them—last year, they placed sixth, proving that perseverance pays off. Their robot, aptly named Hook Shot, took two months to design and build, a testament to their dedication.
And this is the part most people miss: The team’s name itself is a story. ‘We had discussions about what our team name should be, so we decided to use a little bit of AI and had some fun with it,’ Rasheed explained. ‘Wired Weirdos’ isn’t just catchy—it reflects their passion for wiring and their unique approach to problem-solving. Rasheed, who aspires to study computer engineering or science at Sault College, Lake State, or Algoma University, sees robotics as a stepping stone to a brighter future.
This year’s competition, held at Boreal French Immersion Public School, featured 10 teams from schools across the region, including Korah, Superior Heights, St. Mary’s College, Central Algoma Secondary School (CASS), and W.C. Eaket in Blind River. The game, dubbed Push Back, was a high-stakes battle where teams collected blocks of their team’s color and scored them into tubes while simultaneously pushing out their opponents’ blocks. ‘It’s a very aggressive game,’ noted Mark Carlucci, ADSB robotics coordinator. ‘Students are developing skills on the fly, figuring out new techniques and strategies.’
Here’s a bold statement: Robotics competitions like these aren’t just about building machines—they’re about building futures. Carlucci highlighted that many graduates have gone on to pursue engineering or computer science programs, and even those who don’t follow this path gain invaluable skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and collaboration.
The competition also showcased the growing sophistication of student-built robots. ‘We’ve seen some robust robot builds this year,’ Carlucci said, crediting the experience of students who’ve progressed from elementary robotics programs or are in their second or third year of high school robotics.
Beyond the matches, teams were evaluated by engineering and design judges who assessed everything from engineering notebooks to autonomous routines. This holistic approach ensures that skills beyond coding and mechanics are recognized. For instance, the Central Algoma team, competing with just one student due to winter weather, demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability.
The Wired Weirdos weren’t the only stars of the day. Other award winners included Team B.I.C. from St. Mary’s College for the Teamwork Challenge, and Korah’s Double Double for the Engineering Award. These teams, along with others, will compete in regional events, including one in Sudbury on January 17.
**Now, here’s a thought-provoking question
