4AI Systems supported a day of hands-on robotics learning by sponsoring the RoboCup Junior Hunter Workshop on 8 April. Held at Grahamstown Public School in Raymond Terrace, 20 year four students and six enthusiastic teachers were brought together from 10 primary schools located across Port Stephens.
The free workshop was specifically designed to introduce RoboCup Junior to younger students, with the aim of creating school-based champions who could return to their classrooms excited to share their knowledge and lead teams in future terms.
“By engaging year four students and their teachers early, we hope to build sustainable participation across the region. We look forward to seeing these young champions inspire their peers and establish teams at their schools,” said Dr Aaron Wong, Artificial Intelligence Engineering Manager at 4AI Systems and RoboCup Junior Committee Member.
“The day wouldn’t be a success without the people at our company supporting in the background and I am extremely grateful for the continual support. It was a pleasure to assist in the learning journey of these wonderful students,” Dr Wong continued.
Participants explored the Rescue Line challenge using LEGO SPIKE Prime and EV3 Mindstorms kits, while teachers gained valuable insights to implement robotics programs in their schools.
Key learning outcomes included:
- Developing future champions: Students gained skills and confidence to become robotics leaders in their school.
- Teamwork and collaboration: Participants worked in pairs to build, program and troubleshoot robots.
- STEM skill-building: Hands-on experience with sensors, coding and mechanical design.
- Teacher empowerment: Educators left equipped to support student teams and integrate robotics into learning.
These outcomes are designed to encourage student entries into the flagship Robocup Junior Hunter Region Competition, which 4AI Systems is proud to be sponsoring and partnering with this year, to be held at University of Newcastle’s Great Hall on 31 July.
Thank you to 4AI Systems team members, Dr. Aaron Wong for his leadership and AI Software Developer Jason Disher for his help in presenting, Mrs. Rechell Parker from DET NSW for her local coordination, Grahamstown Public School for hosting, and all the participating teachers and students for their enthusiasm.