Fusong County in the northeastern part of Jilin Province, China, is bustling with energy this winter as it hosts the 2023 World Robot Contest Finals. Taking place in the departure lounge of the local airport, the event has drawn more than 5,000 young participants from all corners of the country, engaging in intense competition with their personally crafted robots. Yu Yiyang, a fifth-grade student from Shanghai, emphasized the importance of excelling in assembling, programming, and operation, highlighting the crucial role of maintaining a resilient mindset for achieving success. A significant number of contestants have received early robotics education and have been actively involved in robot competitions, leading to notable enhancements in their skills, mental fortitude, and teamwork capabilities.
Feng Shangming, a 10-year-old participant from the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, southwest China, expressed the gratification he derives from constructing robots with his own hands. Similarly, Shen Xinheng, a fourth-grade student from Fuzhou in Fujian Province, located in the eastern part of the country, has a deep-seated passion for robotics. Shen highlighted the enrichment he gains from his robotics class, where he acquires knowledge beyond conventional textbooks, honing practical skills, and nurturing innovative thinking. These young contestants, originating from different regions and diverse backgrounds, provide insight into the widespread enthusiasm for robotics education among Chinese students.
For numerous individuals, delving into robot programming and engaging in robot competitions not only provides chances to enhance their cognitive skills and refine their abilities but also serves as an effective avenue to strengthen their teamwork mentality. Wu Zongyuan, a resident of Chengdu in Sichuan Province, emphasized the collaborative aspect of the competition, stating, "The essence of this entire contest lies more in communication and collaboration." Wu has been immersed in robotics education for seven years, starting from kindergarten, and has actively taken part in multiple robot contests.
