Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) students have clinched second prize in the "Smorphi Imaginary Challenge - World's First Transformer Robotics Coding Competition."

Hosted by RoboRoarZ Singapore and co-organised by the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), National Robotics Programme, IEEE Singapore Section, IEEE Women in Engineering, and Wefaa Robotics, this competition saw over 300 participants from across the globe showcasing their innovative solutions through robotics.

From 23rd to 24th March 2024, the event witnessed a variety of designs and concepts aimed at addressing real-world challenges using transformative robotics technologies.

The Smorphi Imaginary Challenge aims to establish a vibrant local and international community focused on leveraging the power of reconfigurable robots to solve real-world challenges.

The competition showcased the prowess of transformer robots as they navigated through interconnected tunnels, reaching designated rescue zones, locating victims, and retrieving specific objects.

The competition's primary objective was to test the agility, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities of robots, particularly in confined and challenging environments simulating search and rescue scenarios.

The success of the APU students can be attributed to their exceptional design of a robot that exemplifies creativity, innovation, and a deep understanding of design principles.

Mentored by Dr Adeline Sneha John Chrisastum, Senior Lecturer, School of Computing, the winning team received their accolades from Professor Quek Tong Boon, Chief Executive of the National Robotics Programme, Singapore, during the awards ceremony.

The students piloted two Smorphi units and two larger Smorphi2 units in a competition. Smorphi2 robots can transform into six shapes, making them adept at navigating tight spaces for search and rescue missions within a time limit.

Operated with cameras and proximity sensors, the team strategically chose actions guided by the coordinator to optimise rescue efforts.

Furthermore, as part of their victory, the winning students were treated to an exclusive hands-on training session on the Smorphi robotic platform.

They had the opportunity to delve deeper into robot building, exploring unique features and functionalities controlled through the Smorphi app.

Additionally, they embarked on a Robot Safari around the SUTD campus, gaining insights into various robots designed for distinct tasks, further fueling their passion for innovation in robotics engineering.

This event not only celebrates the ingenuity of participants but also fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange among robotics enthusiasts worldwide.