TAS Hosts Annual 2024 Taiwan Robotics FRC Conference

Sep 11 2024

On Saturday, August 31, TAS welcomed over 300 students from 26 schools across Taiwan for the annual FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Conference. From 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, TAS was filled with robotics enthusiasts, preparing for the upcoming FRC season and strengthening the collaborative spirit that defines Taiwan's school robotics community.

What stands out as most impressive about this conference is that it was organized and almost entirely planned by the student leadership of the FRC teams 4253 Raid Zero and 8503 Raid One, particularly by Sophie H. ‘26 and Angelina H. ‘26. Over the summer, these dedicated students personally contacted all the teams, organized the speakers, and arranged the breakout sessions, showcasing exceptional leadership and organizational skills.

These student-led teams took the initiative to create an environment where students from across Taiwan could network, exchange ideas, and share their passion for robotics and technology. The organizers hoped this event would inspire attendees to develop creative project ideas for the future.

The day began with an informative opening session in the Guy Lott Jr. Auditorium. Special guests from National Taiwan University and the Department of Education shared their visions for the future of robotics, AI, and STEAM education in Taiwan, setting the stage for a day of knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer activities.

To personalize the experience, the conference featured three simultaneous breakout sessions:

Extended Tech Cube tours for in-depth exploration of equipment and applications
Presentations on advanced robotics concepts and practical applications
Discussions on emerging robotics trends, led by students and teachers

The Tech Cube tours, led by members of the organizing FRC teams, gave visiting students an introduction to the cutting-edge tools and processes used in robotics. It was inspiring to see these student leaders confidently sharing their knowledge and experience with peers from other schools.

The multi-session approach of the event allowed students to fully engage with the content in focused, group settings. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged natural discussions and questions, leading to meaningful exchanges between participants about their own learning and goals for their respective robotics teams.

After the morning sessions, students gathered in the school cafeteria for a pizza lunch, taking the time to recharge and connect with peers from other schools on a more personal level. The afternoon continued with networking activities and games designed to strengthen the bonds formed earlier in the day, and the event concluded with a student-led panel in the auditorium.

To support students' learning, the sessions were conducted in both Mandarin and English, underscoring the commitment to inclusive learning and cross-cultural engagement. This approach, combined with the participation of esteemed NTU professors, contributes to the development of a unified learning community across Taiwan's school robotics programs.

Looking ahead, we are excited to see how the connections and knowledge shared at this conference will translate into innovation and success in the upcoming FRC season and robotics competitions. Events like these help students engage more deeply with their peers from other schools, while leveraging resources and expertise to inspire others and be inspired themselves.

Great work, Tigers, and special thanks to Sophie, Angelina, and all the members of Raid Zero and Raid One who made this event a success! Together, we will strive to continue to inspire, innovate, and lead in building a brighter future for all students passionate about technology and robotics in Taiwan.

The full list of the event’s attendees:

Taipei Municipal Lishan Senior High School (臺北市立麗山高級中學)
Chong Guang High School (崇光中學)
Shiding High School (石碇高中)
Sanmin High School (三民高中)
National Nanke International Experimental High School (國立南科國際實驗高級中學)
Taipei Municipal Chenggong High School (台北市立成功高級中學)
National Experimental High School at Central Taiwan Science Park (國立中科實驗高級中學)
Taipei Municipal Da'an Vocational High School (大安高工)
New Taipei Municipal Shulin Senior High School (新北市立樹林高中)
Zhonghe High School (中和高中)
Taipei First Girls High School (北一女中)
Banqiao High School (板橋高中)
Nanshan High School (南山中學)
Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare and Management, New Taipei City (新北市天主教恆毅高級中學)
Taipei Municipal Nangang Vocational High School of Industry and Commerce (台北市立南港高級工業職業學校)
Chiayi City Jia Hua Private High School (嘉義市私立嘉華高級中學)
New Taipei Municipal An Kang High School (新北市立安康高中)
Nanguang High School (南光高中)
Jinhe High School (錦和高中)
Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School (臺北市立建國高級中學)
Hsing-Kuo School Foundation Tainan Private Hsing-Kuo Senior High School (興國學校財團法人台南市私立興國高級中學)
Taipei Private Fuxing Experimental High School (台北市私立復興實驗高級中學)
I-Shou International School (義大國際高級中學)
Zhuci High School (竹崎高中)
Xietong High School (協同中學)
Gezhi High School (格致高中)