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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/I017585/1
Title: Schools Robot Olympics
Principal Investigator: Cameron, Dr SA
Other Investigators:
Voiculescu, Dr I
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Computer Science
Organisation: University of Oxford
Scheme: Partnerships- Public Engage
Starts: 03 May 2011 Ends: 02 November 2011 Value (£): 16,215
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
19 Oct 2010 PPE Starter Grants Call 3 DecisionAwaited
Summary on Grant Application Form
In this grant we are setting up two `robot olympics' events in a formtargetted at children of secondary school age. In the first event wewill have a small (40cm tall) humanoid legged robot that is capable oftraversing a 5m long track, and coming to a stop without falling.Having explained some of the science behind that robot, we will invitethe children to build a Lego robot with wheels to do the same event.In the second event we turn the race into a hurdles race. Our leggedrobot can step over the hurdles, but the wheeled Lego robot will needlegs or tracks in order to suceed. This will enable us to explorewith the children a number of issues from the curriculum for Scienceand for ICT in a fun yet challenging way. For example: thedifficulties of making a robot walk well; how a simple wheeled robotcan find its way; and the importance of balance and stability inrunning the hurdles course.Variations on the scenario will allow us to explore the issues in amore public setting (e.g., science centres) or in a more targettedschool setting (i.e., with pupils of a specific age). We hope thatthe media might take an interest in this event, and by using aweb-site we hope to also build up a community of robot racers.
Key Findings
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Summary
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.ox.ac.uk