IT’S often said that children spend too much time with gadgets these days. But it has paid off for pupils from Swanmore College of Technology who are through to the national finals of a robotics competition.
The eight-pupil team won the First Lego League (FLL) Hampshire competition held at Intech in Winchester in December, and will now take on 21 other teams from the UK at the final at Loughborough University on January 26.
In a repeat of the regional challenge, the team have to build and programme an autonomous Lego robot to solve a number of problems, including tasks to help the elderly such as climbing stairs and turning off switches.
They also have to demonstrate good teamwork and understanding of the technology by making presentations to judges.
Teacher David Hedicker said: “I’m thrilled with the team’s work.
“It’s the third time we have won the regional competition and to reach that standard again is fantastic.”
The winners get a place at the FLL World Festival in the USA later this year.