Students from Arequipa who are part of a science and technology education program developed by Cerro Verde took first place in the recent World Robot Olympiad Peru, which included competition from schools throughout the country.
The middle and high school students from Arequipa were chosen as winners in the categories of “Future Senior Engineers,” “Future Junior Innovators” and “Future Senior Innovators.” As part of the competition, the students passed tests such as building a robot capable of solving real-world problems and designing and programming an autonomous robot.
One of the winning projects in the national competition, called Agribot, is a device that allows farmers to measure soil moisture in different crops. Students from Arequipa designed the machine's control using free software.
Winners participated in the STEAM Robotics Program, developed by Cerro Verde in Arequipa, to educate students in disciplines such as science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics, in a practical and enjoyable way. It is meant to enhance students' creativity, observation and team problem-solving skills.
The program began in 2019 and has so far benefited more than 600 students and 50 teachers in Arequipa.