MEDIA RELEASE - New Zealand’s first Mini Robot Rumble is set to bring robotics to life in smashing fashion for a new generation of Kiwi kids, in the country’s first such competition.

The inaugural Mini Robot Rumble which will be held on July 15th, is an Auckland University Robotics Association initiative, proudly supported by Vodafone.

The Mini Robot Rumble will see small robots, built by students, “battle to the death” by knocking each other out of action, through a number of rounds until a winner is declared. AURA has successfully completed in a number of larger scale versions in Australia.

Until now keen Kiwi students wanting to enter similar tournaments have been forced to spend thousands of dollars travelling overseas.

AURA Treasurer Jack Barker says that, combined with the price of the kits, presented an immense hurdle.

“We know that traditionally New Zealand students do really well when they do compete overseas. AURA already supports high school students who are interested in engineering and robotics, and we thought it would be exciting to bring a tournament here, so more people can see it.

“Then we started thinking about how we could make this competition open to everyone, including low decile schools. If you’re buying kit components it can cost thousands of dollars – but Vodafone’s support means we can offer a kit for $250, eight times cheaper than current models,” Jack said.

Vodafone New Zealand Foundation Chair Antony Welton said it was a simple decision to support the Mini Robot Rumble, and ensure registration is free.

“We believe it’s vital that Kiwi students receive the same opportunity to take part in robotics as young people all over the world. Competitions like this encourage, support and empower young people to reach their full potential,” Antony said.

Vodafone’s Technology Director Tony Baird believes supporting robotics and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in New Zealand is crucial.

“We know how important it is to grow future engineers and technologists, not just for Vodafone, but for the benefit of New Zealand’s economic development.

“It’s fantastic to think that many of the students taking part in this robotics competition will be able to use what they’ve learnt to bring about transformation in this rapidly evolving digital age,” Tony said.