The RobotAPU Team from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), with all its members pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) in Artificial Intelligence, recently made waves at Singapore’s National Robotics Competition (NRC). Demonstrating their excellence in robotics, the students returned home with both Silver and Bronze medals, showcasing their prowess in the field.

Team RobotAPU celebrated their victories with their mentor, Dr Adeline Sneha J (centre, standing row), after the prize-giving ceremony at Science Centre Singapore.

Co-organised by the Science Centre Singapore, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Wefaa Robotics, NRC is a dynamic, game-based competition that challenges participants to develop creative solutions to real-world problems using robotics technologies. Held from 19 August to 7 September at Science Centre Singapore, the competition attracted over 65,000 participants and 250,000 supporters, with innovative designs aimed at addressing contemporary challenges.

Guided by Dr Adeline Sneha J, Senior Lecturer at APU’s School of Computing, Team RobotAPU competed in the “NRC Smorphi Autonomous Challenge Category” and the “NRC Smorphi Pilot Challenge Category.” In these challenging events, APU students secured Second and Third Place, respectively, demonstrating their technical expertise and problem-solving capabilities.

The team, composed of Tan Yong Zhen, Ler Ming Jun, Khong Boon Keat, Jones Leong Kar Jun, Lai Jun Yong, and supported by Surya Prasanth Naidu, Omer Adil, Loo Yih Leh, engaged with the NRC Smorphi – a versatile robotic platform inspired by the Tetris game, capable of transforming into seven different shapes. This feature enabled the robot to adapt to various tasks, particularly in environments simulating search and rescue missions, where agility and innovation were critical.

The competition tested the participants' ability to optimise the robot's shape-shifting features while navigating challenging scenarios. It demanded advanced pathfinding, strategic thinking, and innovative design solutions, placing APU students at the forefront of robotics engineering.

Dr Adeline Sneha J (centre) with Team RobotAPU (from left) – Loo Yih Leh, Khong Boon Keat, Lai Jun Yong, Jones Leong Kar Jun, Ler Ming Jun, Tan Yong Zhen, Surya Prasanth Naidu, and Omer Adil – returning triumphantly to the APU campus.

APU’s second and third-place victories highlight the students' adaptability and proficiency in a field that continues to evolve rapidly. As recognition for their achievements, they were awarded medals, certificates, and a full day of hands-on training with reconfigurable robots.

Dr Adeline Sneha J commented on the team’s success, saying, “Participation in the NRC Smorphi League provided our students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in advanced robotics engineering. Through hands-on robot-building activities, they explored innovative features and functionalities, honing their technical skills in real-world applications.”

Reflecting on this achievement, Associate Professor Dr Tan Chin Ike, Head of the School of Computing, remarked, “Competing on an international stage with peers from overseas is an excellent opportunity for our students to gauge their skills and readiness for future careers. NRC has not only driven innovation, inspiring the students to push the limits of robotics but has also expanded their professional networks within the global robotics community. I am proud of their accomplishments, which truly reflect their capabilities and potential.”