In a recent display of technological prowess and innovation, Tarlac National High School students made their mark at the 25th International Robotics Olympiad (IRO) held in Athens, Greece. The team, composed of Arnon Yzabel Guinto, Maria Fatima Uson, and Graciel Maia Delos Reyes, brought home a silver medal in the Creative Category and a bronze in the Robot in Movie category.

Graciel Maia Delos Reyes, Arnon Yzabel Guinto, and Maria Fatima Uson of Tarlac National High School beam with pride as they showcase their silver and bronze medals at the 25th International Robotics Olympiad in Athens, Greece.
 

The IRO is an annual event organized by the International Robot Olympiad Committee (IROC). It serves as a global platform for students to showcase their robotic creations and compete against teams from around the world. The competition involves presenting innovative solutions to complex challenges and demonstrating technical skills in a competitive environment.

Under their coach, Russel Garcia, the students underwent a meticulous preparation process involving theoretical learning, hands-on practice, and strategic planning. This included building and refining their robots to meet the specific requirements of the competition.

Tarlac National High School's robotics team, with coach Russel Garcia at the 25th International Robotics Olympiad in Athens, Greece.

Teamwork was a critical aspect of their preparation strategy. Garcia fostered an environment of collaborative problem-solving and group discussions, emphasizing each team member's unique strengths and contributions. This approach strengthened the team's cohesion, enabling them to collaborate effectively during the competition's challenges.

Despite facing technical difficulties and pressure to meet international standards, the team adopted a resilient mindset, viewing setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve. Their determination and adaptability were crucial in overcoming obstacles and refining their strategies for the competition.

Dr. Yolanda M. Gonzales, Principal of Tarlac National High School, and Ronnie S. Mallari, School Division Superintendent of Tarlac Province, join the jubilant robotics team,  Arnon Yzabel Guinto, Maria Fatima Uson, and Graciel Maia Delos Reyes in celebrating their international success at the 25th International Robotics Olympiad in Athens, under the guidance of coach Russel Garcia.

Reflecting on robotics' transformative impact on education, Garcia believes that it has the potential to revolutionize the learning experience in the Philippines. By providing students with practical, hands-on applications of theoretical knowledge, robotics education prepares them for a future where technology plays a central role in various fields.

For educators looking to coach students in international technology competitions, Garcia advises fostering a balance between technical expertise and soft skills development. He emphasizes the importance of encouraging creativity, adaptability, and effective communication among students and creating an environment where learning is a collaborative journey and mistakes are viewed as opportunities for improvement. Additionally, stay updated on the latest advancements in the field to provide students with relevant and cutting-edge knowledge. Finally, instill a sense of pride and responsibility in representing not only their school but also their country on the international stage. The journey is as important as the destination, and the skills they acquire will serve them well in their future endeavors.

For the team members, representing the Philippines in a competition was an electrifying experience. It involved a tremendous sense of pride and responsibility, knowing that many people were watching and supporting them. It was an opportunity to unite under the banner of their country, driven by the collective aspiration to excel and a reminder that success goes beyond achievement, extending to shared dreams and inspirations of their fellow citizens.

The team's entry in the 'Creative Category,' which won the silver award, was a self-powered heart rate monitoring system with a punch force sensor. This innovative creation was designed with the sport of boxing in mind, a sport with a death toll and where athletes' training and injury prevention are crucial for maximizing performance in the ring. The data received from these sensors can be used to mitigate risks when it comes to their health and maximize their performance in the ring regarding the results of the punch force sensor. The robot is powered using a triboelectric nanogenerator, which converts the swings and punches of the athlete into electrical energy, thereby powering the robot.

Their entry in the 'Robot in Movie' category was inspired by people who aspire to become athletes but are afraid to do so because they have disabilities. They chose the Paralympics as one of the categories and weightlifting as the sport, representing Hidilyn Diaz, an Olympic medalist who inspired the whole world. They titled their entry "disABLEd" to empower PWDs, emphasizing that they may lack something that is a part of theirs, but they never lack the capability to strive for their dreams.

Throughout the competition, they had the chance to witness a diverse range of robots, each utilizing different programming languages and mechanical designs. However, what stood out was that the competition was not solely about the robots' technical intricacies but also about effective communication and presentation. They learned that regardless of a robot's size or complexity, the key to success lies in presenting it effectively and creatively, highlighting its strengths, and adapting to unexpected challenges on the fly. This experience underscored the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to convey ideas clearly, skills that transcend the world of robotics and are valuable in various aspects of life.

Participating in the International Robot Olympiad in Greece has greatly influenced their future career aspirations in robotics and technology. The hands-on experience and exposure to diverse challenges have ignited their passion for innovation and robotics. They gained valuable skills, networked with other delegates from different countries, and now aspire to contribute to the forefront advancements in these fields.

The success of the Tarlac National High School team at the 25th IRO is a testament to the potential of robotics education in the Philippines. Their achievements serve as an inspiration for other students and educators in the field, shining a light on the possibilities that lie ahead in the world of robotics.