The International IEEE Region 8 Robot Championship 2024, held at the Montekristo Arena, brought together innovation, technical brilliance, and fierce competition over an unforgettable weekend. Organised by IEEE Malta and IEEE Region 8, the event showcased the best of robotics, creativity, and collaboration among young engineers and tech enthusiasts. 

This year, 18 teams were shortlisted from more than 38 applicants from region 8, with 12 teams completing their robots to compete in four thrilling games.

Dr Conrad Attard, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of ICT at the University of Malta and the event's organiser, praised the participants, stating: "The teams demonstrated remarkable teamwork and technical skill, with each robot boasting unique and impressive characteristics. The creativity and dedication on display were truly extraordinary."

Ahead of the championship, roboteers and their respective student branches organised STEM-focused events across the region, reaching over 2,000 students and inspiring the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators. 

IEEE Region 8 Robot Championships 2024: Marble-Powered Programming Competition Highlights 

As part of the IEEE Region 8 Robot Championships 2024, a special competition was organised for students aged 11 to 15 from various schools. The Marble-Powered Programming Game, an innovative challenge using the Turing Tumble to teach computational thinking, showcased the exceptional talent of young participants. 

The competition, held in collaboration with the Faculty of ICT at the University of Malta, celebrated the following winners: 

• 1st Place: Isaac Aquilina
• 2nd Place: Matthew Bugeja
• 3rd Place: Evan Scerri
• 4th Place: George Lungaro-Mifsud

These young programmers demonstrated remarkable creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork throughout the challenge. Their achievements were celebrated during the awards ceremony, inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Support and Recognition 

The event enjoyed the backing of the Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Youth, Resources, and Innovation, alongside the Cassar Marin Group, whose support contributed to the event's resounding success. MDIA, Tech.mt, MCAST, University of Malta, APS bank and MTA sponsored the event, 

Highlights and Awards

The competition was packed with standout moments, with awards celebrating the unique talents and efforts of the teams:

• 🏅 Best Teamwork: Leones Robotics from IEEE Malta Section - University of Malta
• 🏅 Best Looking Robot and Branding (Judges' Choice): The Punisher from IEEE Malta Section MCAST
• 🏅 Most Effective Add-on: The Punisher from IEEE Malta Section MCAST
• 🏅 Best Tactics: Electro Warriors from Ireland
• 🏅 Best Design: Eitri from Norway
• 🏅 Best Challenger: Akira from IEEE G8 UAE Section
• 🏅 Best Pushing Power: Bris from the University of Limerick, Ireland
• 🏅 Best Manoeuvrability: Bris from the University of Limerick, Ireland

Top Honours

• 🥉 Third Place: Akira - IEEE G8 UAE Section
• 🥈 Second Place: GSGShield - IEEE Malta Section - University of Malta
• 🥇 First Place: Bris - from the University of Limerick, Ireland

The IEEE Region 8 Robot Championship 2024 in Malta has set a high benchmark for innovation, teamwork, and fair play, leaving participants and spectators inspired and eager for the next edition. 

Congratulations to all teams and roboteers for their incredible commitment, perseverance, and creativity. Here’s to a future filled with even greater achievements.