DAMMAM — The maiden edition of Inter School Peevees ROBOFEST 2015 – OPUS GIMMIC was hosted by Al-Khozama International School Dammam February 21 at the school campus.
Over 12 contesting teams from grades 6-8 from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam competed in the robotic exhibition and competition.

Peevees Group of schools in KSA allied with Think Labs, Mumbai in the year 2012 and introduced Robotics as an additional program for students; and as of now is running successfully in all the six campuses for last three years.

Robotics integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics [STEM approach] with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing.

These technologies deal with automated machines that can take the place of humans in dangerous environments or manufacturing processes, medical areas or resemble humans in appearance, behavior, or cognition.

Students exercised their prudence and excellent scientific temperament in showcasing their knowledge in calibration and controlling the robots.

The Robo Expo and Fest was inaugurated by chief guest Abdul Rahim, professor of System Engineering Department at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

The guest of honor was Rafiul Hassan, assistant professor, Information and Computer Science at KFUM.

Moosa Koya, CEO of Eram Info tech, and Vikram Bane, assistant manager of Delivery from Thinklabs, Mumbai were the judges for the event.

Gopinath Menon, principal of Al-Khozama officially introduced the chief guest and the guest of honor.

Deputy Group manager Razi Shaikh Pareeth, admin officer Roshan, vice principal Jayaprakash Nair, headmistress Sajna Mylanchi, teachers and parents graced the occasion.

Scientific skills interpolated with computer knowledge showcased an eye opening and thought provoking carnival.

Almas Bunglowala was the master of ceremony, and Swaleha Dehalvi, Yunus and Leena coordinated the event.

Robo Fest was arranged in the multipurpose sports complex. The chief guest and parents were really amazed by the skills showcased by the students, not only in explaining how the robots functioned, but its application in real life.

Awards and certificates were distributed by the chief guest to the winners. Al Khozama bagged the winner’s trophy and the second runner up in the girl’s category, and New Al Wurood International School Jeddah bagged the winners (boys) and first runner up (girls).

Al Yasmin International School, Riyadh secured first runner up in the boy’s category and were also adjudged for the best presentation.

The chief guest said that he could foresee the leaders of the future in these brilliant students. He had never experienced such a gala and scientific bent of mind from children of a small age group.

“Dream to work in NASA or build another NASA in KSA or elsewhere,” the guest of honor said. The event was another feather in the cap of Peevees Group, as the group always believes in bringing innovations in education.

The program concluded with the valedictory function and the vote of thanks was given by Leena Gogy, academic coordinator of girls’ section. — via SaudiGazette