The Oxford RobotGames III
19th June 2012. 9:30 — 3:30pm. Sorry, this event is now full
Design and build a robot, then pitch it against the Oxford University machines at the
Oxford RobotGames.
Oxford University's Computer Science Department is delighted to welcome school teams of Year
9 and 10 pupils and their teacher/parent to the Oxford Robot Games. These one-day events will
involve:
- An introduction to the science behind robots.
- Practical session designing and building a wheeled robot using Lego Mindstorms, under the guidance of Oxford University staff and students.
- Pit your robot against the Oxford University machines in two robot Olympics-style challenges; a sprint and a hurdle event.
- Round off the day with a tour of an Oxford College.
The science behind the RobotGames is based around cutting-edge research being carried out at Oxford: two very important (and closely-linked) areas of application are robotic exploration and robotic search-and-rescue. Robotic exploration involves exploration of locations that are hazardous or inaccessible to humans (such as mine fields, contaminated zones, other planets, or underwater environments). Robotic search and rescue is useful since robots may be deployed in dangerous environments without putting human responders at risk.
The academic team at the Department of Computer Science are particularly involved in developing techniques to help a team of robots efficiently map an environment and report on their findings. Many of the same kind of challenges they face — getting robots to balance, remain stable, sense objects — will be explored by teams during the RobotGames.
Booking essential.
This event series is being supported by CAS, the Computing at School Working Group.
Audience
These events are open to Year 9 and 10 pupils from UK state schools. One team per school; exactly five pupils per team. Each team must be accompanied by a teacher, or by a parent.
When and where
The events will be held at the: Department of Computer Science, Wolfson Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QD. Use the No. 7 Keble Rd entrance. The date for RobotGames III is 19th June 2012.
Booking essential.How does my school apply?
Sorry, this event is now full. To be the first to hear about new events from the Department of Computer Science at Oxford, including Oxford RobotGames IV sign up to our mailing list for prospective students and teachers.FAQs
Do participants need to have studied IT/computer science before coming to the day?
No previous knowledge of the subject is expected. The day is designed to raise awareness of what Computer Science is and its practical applications. Computer Science is a very mathematical subject, so students with a flair for Maths or sciences will benefit most from the day.
How much does the taster day cost?
This event is free. Teams will need to organize their own transport to Oxford (see below) and bring their own packed lunches. Hot and cold drinks will be available free of charge.
How many staff members should attend?
One team per school; with teams made up of five students. One teacher or parent per team. The school staff member or a parent need to remain responsible for the group during the day. You also need to fulfil your school's own policies about trips.
One of my students particularly wants to apply to Oxford. Should I bring them along?
Yes, they'd be more than welcome. As are your talented students who are less sure of what they want to do. However, please be aware that the day doesn't include sessions on the admissions process, the courses we offer etc. To find out more about studying at Oxford students should come along to one of our open days.
How do I get to the venue? Is there any parking?
The Department of Computer Science is on the corner of Keble Road and Parks Road in the St Giles area of Oxford — maps and directions can be found here. We strongly recommended that you use public transport if at all possible. If you do travel by car or minibus, please note that parking in the city centre is very limited. There are several Park & Ride bus services that run from car parks on the outskirts of Oxford.
Is accommodation available?
Unfortunately we are not able to provide accommodation. If you cannot get to Oxford in one day you may like to consult Oxford Rooms or book accommodation at one of the city's Youth Hostels.
Do I need to bring any special equipment?
No, just a pen and paper, and your packed lunch. Comfortable clothes & shoes are recommended.
I've got a question — who do I talk to?
Please contact: opendays@cs.ox.ac.uk
Please note the organisers reserve the right to change programme without notification or to make alterations to the advertised details for the day at short notice.