In mid-August 2024, Thasne Rames, 20, and Low Yinn Ean, 18, both Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering students at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), achieved an impressive victory by securing First Prize at the prestigious Robot Challenge 2024, held in Beijing, China.

This international robotics competition is one of the largest and most esteemed of its kind, attracting thousands of participants from across the globe. APU proudly represented Malaysia as the only university from the country to compete in this event, where over 5,000 contestants from 31 nations and more than 300 institutions competed. 

The competition saw Thasne and Yinn Ean excel in the "Puck Collect-Adult" category, a highly challenging event that required a sophisticated blend of sensor technology, mechanical design, and artificial intelligence (AI). Nine teams competed in this category, each tasked with building a robot capable of locating and collecting small coloured discs, or "pucks," and transporting them to their designated home bases. The team that successfully collected all pucks of their assigned colour first would be declared the winner.

Thasne and Yinn Ean’s robot, created using Pitsco Tetrix Max and Prime sets and powered by Arduino technology, demonstrated superior functionality and precision in this high-stakes challenge. Their robot’s advanced AI system played a critical role in their success, enabling it to detect the precise locations of both the pucks and the home base with remarkable accuracy. The intelligent integration of these components allowed the robot to operate autonomously and with incredible efficiency, outperforming the competition and securing the top spot. 

During the competition, the robot was required to operate on a 250 cm x 250 cm field, facing off against another robot, each competing to gather all of their assigned pucks and return them to base as quickly as possible.

A key factor in Thasne and Yinn Ean’s success was the mentorship they received from Ts Suresh Gobee (CEng-IMechE), the Head of the Asia Pacific Centre of Robotics Engineering (APCoRE) at APU’s School of Engineering (SoE). Ts Suresh provided expert guidance and technical oversight throughout their preparation, helping the duo develop both the technical and strategic skills necessary to thrive in such a competitive environment. His mentorship, combined with the cutting-edge resources available through APCORE, allowed Thasne and Yinn Ean to refine their robot and optimise its performance. 

APCORE has long been a hub for students passionate about robotics at APU, offering state-of-the-art facilities and access to industry professionals. Thasne and Yinn Ean were no exception, benefiting from the centre’s hands-on approach to learning and its focus on fostering innovation. Through their work at APCORE, the two students not only honed their technical skills but also developed strong problem-solving abilities, leadership qualities, and the capacity to work effectively under pressure—skills that undoubtedly contributed to their victory. 

The team’s achievement at Robot Challenge 2024 follows on from their previous success at the World of Robotics Championship (WRC) 2023, which was held at APU. Sponsored by “The World of Robotics,” Thasne and Yinn Ean were able to leverage their experience from the WRC to excel on the international stage in Beijing. 

The Robot Challenge, first established in 2004, is one of the premier global competitions for autonomous robots. Each year, it brings together participants from all five continents to compete in various categories, with events ranging from AI programming to mechanical design. This year’s event, held at the Beijing Science and Technology University Gymnasium from the 9th to the 11th of August, was no different, with over 30,000 participants from 75 countries, including the United States, China, Russia, South Korea, and Australia. 

APU’s outstanding success at this prestigious event is a testament to the quality of its academic programs and the practical, hands-on training its students receive. APCORE, in particular, has been instrumental in preparing students for the rapidly evolving world of robotics and artificial intelligence. By providing opportunities to work on real-world projects, offering access to industry-leading technology, and connecting students with expert mentors, APCORE ensures that APU students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in competitive environments.

Thasne and Yinn Ean’s victory at Robot Challenge 2024 is a reflection of their hard work, dedication, and the support they received from APU. Their success not only elevates their profiles but also enhances APU’s reputation as a leader in robotics education on the global stage. 

Commenting on the victory, Ts Suresh Gobee said, “This outstanding accomplishment not only showcases the innovative spirit and technical proficiency of our students but also reinforces APU’s position as a global leader in robotics education and innovation. We are incredibly proud of Thasne and Yinn Ean for their dedication and for representing APU with such distinction on the international stage.”