Angie Barnard Executive Director at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | LinkedIn
Angie Barnard Executive Director at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | LinkedIn
Youth from 30 teams across Illinois participated in the 4-H Hydrobot Robotics Competition on May 13 at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds. The event aimed to instill a conservationist mindset among participants.
“This generation of minds will be charged with saving our oceans, and making the planet a cleaner, healthier place,” said Keith Jacobs, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development specialist. “And this year’s competition will put youth in the mindset of conservationists and oceanographers as they built an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle that can perform a series of tasks.”
Participants aged 8-18 competed in teams of three to ten at various levels. Rookie level teams had no prior experience in similar competitions, while Level 1 & 2 teams had previous exposure.
Judges evaluated teams based on Table Performance Judging, Technical Judging, and Teamwork Judging. “This competition is perfect for different skill levels as the expectation is that teams design a robot and program that reflects their current level of learning,” said Jacobs.
The winners included:
- Level 1 Champions: 4-H McDoco Bots of McDonough County
- Level 2 Champions: Marshall-Putnam 4-H Robotics Seniors of Marshall County
- Rookie Champions: CFI-2 of Cook County
Reserve champions were also announced along with awards for programming, overall robot design, teamwork, table performance, Judges’ Choice Award, Team Spirit Award, and Most Creative Award.
Those interested in robotics are encouraged to contact their local Extension Office for more information about joining a 4-H robotics experience.
Illinois 4-H is part of the University of Illinois Extension's flagship youth development program under the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. It aims to empower young people through hands-on experiences.
For further details or inquiries:
Source: Keith Jacobs
U of I Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist
Email: kjaco4@illinois.edu
Phone: (217) 300-0496
Writer: Carissa Nelson
Media Communications Manager
Email: carissa7@illinois.edu
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