The competition, which is being held in Taipei yesterday and today, has been divided into two categories. In the regular category, the teams are required to assemble robots to solve a specific problem within an hour. The open category is a project-based, exhibition style competition in which teams present their robot designs.

The teams in both categories are divided into three age groups, namely elementary school students, junior high school students and senior high school students.

All the teams went into action yesterday on the floor of the National Taiwan University Gymnasium, with teachers, family members and friends watching in the stands.

The participants had to assemble their robots with LEGO plastic bricks and controllers, such as light, sound and temperature sensors. According to the rules, the robots must accomplish the assigned missions on their own.

The topics for this year's competition were assigned by the Taiwan organizers who wanted to add a local flavor to the event. For example, the teams in the regular competition had to design robots that simulate the Mount Ali train's z-line switchback movement.

The competition helps develop various skills of the participants, such as problem-solving and teamwork skills, Kerry Bailey, an information technology consultant who works in the United Arab Emirates said.