The Maze Robot Competition, which is part of the 1st World Vocational College Skills Competition, was launched in Tianjin on Aug 11.

Two contestants discuss tactics during the Maze Robot Competition. [Photo/enorth.com.cn]

Several contestants from China, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Benin and several other countries, competed for the demonstration of their high-level techniques and talent in maze robots via video link.

During an interview, Yu Lanping, president of Tianjin Bohai Vocational Technology College (TBVTC), said that the maze robot competition is  for vocational college students majoring in information technology to figure out virtually simulated maze robots and authentic intelligent maze robots on the basis of intelligent control algorithm.

Yu added the competition focuses on showcasing the talent and competence of contestants in the research and development of embedded micro-controller technology, sensors technology, intelligent control algorithm, 3D virtually simulated technology, artificial intelligence and computational technology.

A contestant from Benin attends the Maze Robot Competition. [Photo/enorth.com.cn]

A Beninese contestant said that he had prepared for the maze robot competition since this May and that the learning of maze robot technology had helped him better grasp the development trend of intelligent technology and guided the formulation of personal career development.

Song Lihong, chairperson of Tianjin Qicheng Weiye Technology Co, gives an introduction to the application of maze robots on the sidelines of the Maze Robot Competition. [Photo/enorth.com.cn] 

Song Lihong, chairperson of Tianjin Qicheng Weiye Technology Co Ltd, said maze robots have been widely applied in the rescue efforts in unknown environment, the intelligent planning of routes, automatic driving and smart logistics. The Luban workshops in Thailand, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Nigeria and Egypt have already opened their courses on maze robots.

Gao Yi, a referee and associate professor from Nankai University, said that the virtually simulated maze robot competition had received warm response from overseas students and their teachers because they can take part in the event on an equitable and fair footing with the internet service available.

Local media cover the Maze Robot Competition in Tianjin. [Photo/enorth.com.cn]

So far, maze robots have led to the emergence of Digital Twin technology and integrated with international vocational education to promote the development of China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).