Lapu-Lapu to host ‘world robotics’

CEBU, Philippines — For the second time, the Philippines will host the 15th World Robotics Olympiad on August 30.

This year will be held in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu. Philippines was the host country during the 7th world robotics competition in Manila in 2010.

Thousands of young robotics enthusiasts from 17 countries across the world will battle it out for the championship at the Hoopsdome, said Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza.

The mayor said the robotics talent of young Filipinos and foreign students will be on display as the city hosts the technology and robotics-based competition.

"Technology becomes a great part of our lives. From engineering, to medicine, entertainment and even communication, technology has greatly improved the way we live. By embracing technology as the new lifestyle, it is important that we inspire innovation among our young, “she said.

Radaza said this event would help produce individuals who possess knowledge and skills which are competitive in the world market.

The Philippines does not lag behind other nations when it comes to robotics – the ability to tinker with various materials and craft these into functional gadgets to perform a variety of tasks without direct human interventions.

Among the outstanding Filipinos in robotics is engineer John Judilla, who led in the making of the Mechanical Anti-terrorism Concept (MAC), according to a Philippine Star report.

Made of aluminum, fiberglass and plastic materials, MAC is equipped with a mobile arm that can lift objects weighing up to 11 pounds and is designed to disassemble and remove bombs planted by terrorists.

Also, the Philippine Robotics Team topped the International Robot Olympiad in Bucheon, South Korea in 2015, and in the 2014 World Robot Olympiad held in Moscow, Russia.

Radaza said robotics enthusiasts are set to shape the society with their innovations.

"It is challenging them to be creative and imaginative to solve a certain problem or to come up with something relevant," she said.

Radaza said the city government will continue supporting Oponganons and other locals who will be competing against foreign participants.

"We in the City Government have always been supportive in these endeavors through the provision of kits, facilities and avenue to develop the robotic skills of our students," she said.

Moreover, the city government continues to prepare for the competition.

Last year, the 14th World Robotics was held in San Jose, Costa Rica. It started in Singapore in 2004. (FREEMAN)