International Awards of Cyprus in Robotics

The Cyprus Computer Society (CCS) proudly shares news on the future of robotics in Cyprus! On Sunday, November 7, a three-day event took place, where robotics teams representing Cyprus received many awards at the Robotex International Competition, held in Tallinn, Estonia.

We proudly followed on social networks the young “robotists” raising the flag of our country countless times on the podium of Robotex International 2021.

Specifically, student teams coached by Mr. Yiannis Laouris from the Y. Laouris Informatique private training center in Paphos, won the first three places in Lego Line Following (up to 13), the first place in Folkrace (up to 16), the 2nd and 3rd places in Lego Sumo (14+ ) and were ranked in the top 5 teams in Maze, Lego Line Following (14+) and Enhanced Line Following competitions.

The presence of Mr. Giannos Eleftheriou, representing the University of Neapolis Pafos, was also excellent making it to the top 5 of the Line Following challenge (adults) with the robots named LFRobots by RoboticsLab and Neapolis ISL Robotics Lab.

During the event, the Robotex International Conference was held in parallel, which was broadcasted worldwide through the Estonian platform. The Chairman of the Organizing Committee of Robotex Cyprus and the General Secretary of the Cyprus Computer Society Board participated (remotely) in the discussion entitled Robotics in the Universities where he presented the current situation in Cyprus, shared his experiences and gave his suggestions for the future of robotics both in Cyprus and globally.

Dr. Masouras states that he is excited about this year's awards because during the difficult times of the pandemic, especially for education, group student activities such as robotics were affected. Our awards in Estonia, prove that the flame still burns amongst youth and the future is predicted even brighter for this sector in our country. He also notes that the field of robotics should be a priority in the National Strategy for the Development of Digital Skills, to be introduced in the whole range of our educational system as an autonomous and interdisciplinary subject.  Dr. Masouras concluded that,concering the government's strategy to attract technology companies in order to make Cyprus an international technology hub, an effort should be made to attract international robotics companies on the island.

In a recent tweet the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Mr. Kyriakos Kokkinos mentioned that "Digital skills are the basis for the professions of the future, key to personal & professional development & sustainable economic development."

It is noted that the participating teams from Cyprus are winners of the respective Pancyprian Robotex competition that took place on 16, 17 & 24 October 2021, at the Gymnasio Agiou Ioannou Chrysostomou in Lakatamia. Robotex Cyprus 2021 was under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Cyprus and was approved by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth and the Digital Champion, under the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy.

The national competition become a reality because CCS received valuable support of partners, volunteers and organizations such as the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus Youth Board n and the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET-Cyprus Local Network) which are co-organizers, Cyta which is a strategic partner and XM which is a technology partner. The Bank of Cyprus also participated as Youth Supporter, EKO as platinum sponsor, Neapolis University and Research and Innovation Foundation as gold sponsors and was supported by dozens of companies and all private universities.

It is noted that the next national Robotex competition will take place at the end of June at the University of Cyprus, for updates follow the page www.robotex.org.cy and social networks.

Organizer: Cyprus Computer Society (CCS)

Co - organizers: University of Cyprus, Cyprus Youth Organization & IET Cyprus Local Network

Under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Cyprus (Nikos Anastasiades)

Hosts: Lakatameia School Ephorate & Agios Ioannis Chrysostomos High School

Approved by: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth & Digital Champion Cyprus under the Ministry of Research, Innovation & Digital Policy

Strategic Partner: Cyta

Technology Partner: XM

Youth Supporter: Bank of Cyprus

Platinum sponsor: EKO Cyprus

Gold sponsors: Neapolis University Pafos & IDEK

Silver Sponsors: Engino & CYENS Center of Excellence

Bronze Sponsors: ECDL Cyprus, the Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus ETEK Novatex Solutions Ltd, ZEBRA Consultants & Supernova

Universities: CUT, University of Nicosia, European University Cyprus, Frederick University Cyprus, The University of Central Lancashire - UCLan

Supporters: Logicom Distribution, gra.des, C.K. Matrix exhibitions partners, Arnold's Digital Printers and the Associations, ACM  IEEE, Informatics Teachers Association and Planning and Technology Teachers Association,

Communication Sponsors: Cyprus News Agency, Alpha Cyprus, Reporter, StudentLife.com.cy & Infokids.cy