TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An AI robot competition in Tainan attracted 406 student teams Monday, bringing together more than 1,000 participants from schools across Taiwan.
Hosted at the International Convention Centre Tainan, 75 more teams participated compared to last year, per CNA. The city also raised prize money this year to encourage more students to join.
The competition featured five challenges designed for different educational levels, including smart agriculture, precision throwing, mathematical calculations, logistics warehousing, and smart buildings, per Liberty Times. Students applied programming and mechanical design skills to complete tasks based on real-world scenarios.
Elementary school teams competed in challenges such as autonomous fruit harvesting and transport, while junior high and high school students tackled route planning and warehouse sorting. The city’s education bureau said the activities help strengthen students’ abilities in system integration and strategic thinking.
Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) said AI and robotics are global trends, and the city is expanding efforts in chips and drones. He said competitions and training camps help students build interest in technology while developing problem-solving skills.
The city government increased this year’s top prizes, with the high school division winner receiving NT$10,000 (US$300), the junior high division winner NT$7,000, and the elementary division winner NT$4,000. Huang said the event provides students with opportunities to exchange ideas and showcase their achievements.
