Winners of Hong Kong’s first underwater robot challenge today had a trial of their winning underwater robots in a natural marine environment at WWF’s Hoi Ha Wan Marine Life Centre. This post-competition activity aimed to further enhance the students’ interest in applying robotic technology to marine conservation initiatives.

The final of the challenge, jointly organized by WWF and City University of Hong Kong (City U), took place in City U’s swimming pool on 9 April 2006. Shau Kei Wan Government Secondary School took the first place by completing two underwater tasks in 25 minutes.

Mr Eric Bohm , WWF Hong Kong CEO, said, “It’s exciting to see these young talented scientists testing their underwater robots in a natural marine environment and I’m sure the exercise will further inspire their enthusiasm and creativity in the future application of high technology for protection of our marine environment. The future of our planet will be determined by the young generation and I certainly hope to see the increasing application of advanced technology to marine conservation programmes.”

The technical consultant for the competition, Dr Robin Bradbeer, Associate Professor in City U’s Department of Electronic Engineering, said she hoped students could learn something about robotic technology and its application to marine conservation. “City U is not only very keen on researching new technology for different aspects of social application, but also nurturing our younger generations,” she said.

The competition attracted applications from Form 4 to Form 7 students at 16 local secondary schools. The organizers held workshops on how to build an underwater robot and organized a visit to the WWF’s Hoi Ha Wan Marine Life Centre in Sai Kung to enhance the teams’ knowledge of marine conservation and to observe the corals from WWF’s glass-bottomed boat.

“We are happy to test our underwater robot at Hoi Ha Wan as we can see how it works in a natural environment. By joining this underwater challenge, our knowledge in both robotic technology and marine conservation has greatly been enhanced and we were inspired by what we have learned,” said a team member of Shau Kei Wan Government Secondary School.

The winners may have the chance to compete in the International Challenge, a competition held in the US where they would have the opportunity to visit the NASA Space Station in Houston as well. But the school will have to raise at least HK$50,000 to support the trip. This would be the first time a team outside the American continent competes in the International Challenge since in the past participants have come from the US and Canada. “Based on what I have seen on, our Hong Kong team may have a chance to win,” Dr Bradbeer said.

For details about Hong Kong Underwater Robot Challenge, please visit the event website: http://www.ee.cityu.edu.hk/rovcontest/