APU’s Robo-Whiz Claims Top Prize at World of Robotics Championship 2023

Thasne Rames and Low Yinn Ean of the Asia Pacific Centre of Robotics Engineering (APCORE) won the World of Robotics Championship (WRC) 2023 with their winning Soccerbot and have secured a coveted spot at the Robot Challenge 2024 in Beijing, China.

Mr. Zainuren Mohd. Nor (Middle), Director of Sports, Co-curriculum, and Arts, Ministry of Education Malaysia, presented mock checks to Thasne Rames, and Low Yinn Ean. 

Young Innovators Thasne Rames and Low Yinn Ean of Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)’s Electrical and Electronics Engineering students made a remarkable achievement with their engineered Soccerbot at the World of Robotics Championship (WRC) 2023.

Their agility and smart gameplay, combined with a unique design that integrated components from both Pitsco Tetrix Max and Prime, propelled them to the competition’s top rank, securing a spot at the prestigious Robot Challenge 2024 in Beijing, China.

Thasne and Yinn Ean are both members of the Asia Pacific Centre of Robotics Engineering (APCORE), where they have developed their robotics skills based on research projects executed.

“Our robot could balance its left and right feet to score goals effectively, giving us a significant advantage during the competition,” said Thasne, APCORE’s Vice President of Internal Management.

She also serves as Secretary of APU’s Indian Cultural and Youth Society (ICYS) and a committee member of APU IMechE.

Their innovative design, along with the team’s strategic approach, enabled them to outmanoeuvre their competitors and secure the championship title.

For Thasne and Yinn Ean, WRC 2023 was more than just a competition; it was a transformative learning experience.

“WRC has sharpened our problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Adaptability was essential, and we learned to make quick decisions under pressure,” Yinn Ean added.

Both highlighted the importance of cooperation, claiming that working together improved their communication and coordination, which are critical for success in the dynamic world of robotics.

Among the World of Robotics Championship (WRC) 2023 winners.

“The WRC 2023 goes beyond the trophy. We emphasise the importance that the competition gave to our academic path.

“The hands-on experience of designing, wiring, and commanding robots was invaluable since WRC provided a platform for us to apply our theoretical knowledge from our Electrical and Electronics Engineering programme to real-world challenges,” they agreed.

This practical application not only deepened in their understanding of the subject matter but also equipped them with essential skills for their future career.

Both Thasne and Yinn Ean are actively preparing for the Robot Challenge 2024 in Beijing, with the help of APCORE Academic Head Ts. Suresh Gobee (CEng-IMechE). 

They have enrolled in the World of Robotics training programme to expand their expertise, particularly in their thorough preparation technique, which includes brainstorming, designing, building, and rigorous testing.

Thasne and Yinn Ean’s achievement at WRC 2023 demonstrates APU’s consistent commitment to encouraging innovation and excellence among its students. 

APU’s Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer Prof. Ir. Eur. Ing. Ts. Dr. Vinesh Thiruchelvam stated that “The supportive environment at APU/APCORE, as well as the emphasis on practical learning, offer students like Thasne and Yinn Ean with the skills and tools they need to flourish in the competitive field of robotics.

“They were well mentored by our experts Ts. Suresh Gobee and WRC APU representative Ts. Dr. Arun Seeralan.” 

Besides Thasne and Yinn Ean, the Setapak Vocational College team finished second and third, followed by Seri Manjung Vocational College for the Soccerbot category. 

The team from SK Bandar Utama Damansara 4 won the Rookie A category, followed by SK Convent Bukit Nanas 1 (second place), SK Bandar Baru Sri Petaling 1 (third place), and SK Convent Bukit Nanas 1 and SK Bandar Baru Sri Petaling 1 (consolation award winner).

Mr. Zainuren Mohd. Nor handed a souvenir to Prof. Ir. Eur. Ing. Ts. Dr. Vinesh Thiruchelvam, APU Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer.

The Rookie B category was won by students from SK Taman Desa and Beaconhouse Sri Murni, followed by SK Bukit Rahman Putra, SK Kelana Jaya 1, SK Bandar Utama Damansara 4, and the consolation prize winners, SJKT Jalan Fletcher Kuala Lumpur and SK Damansara Jaya 1 and 2.

The Modular A category was won by students from SK Seafield, followed by SJKC Kota Emerald, Tzu Chi International School, SJK (C) La Salle, and SJKC Yoke Nam.

SK Seafield students also won the Modular B category, followed by SK Seri Bintang Selatan, SK Bukit Jalil, and SK Bandar Anggerik.

In the Modular C category, students from SMK Saujana Impian got first place, followed by WOR Centre, SMK Sri Andalas, and SMK Bandar Sri Damansara 1.

All winners were presented with their trophies by the Director of Sports, Co-curriculum, and Arts, Ministry of Education Malaysia Mr. Zainuren Mohd. Nor, accompanied by the Founder and Managing Director of World of Robotics Sdn. Bhd. Mr. Lee Yew Kein, Project Director of World of Robotics Sdn. Bhd. Ms. Michelle Choo, and APU Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer Prof. Ir. Eur. Ing. Ts. Dr. Vinesh Thiruchelvam.

Since 2016, the World of Robotics Championship held in collaboration with APU has been an annual event that allows students from across Malaysia to showcase their abilities and talents in the dynamic field of robotics.

WRC attracted 50 schools and 220 students this year, highlighting the importance of students’ interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

APU congratulates all winners especially Thasne Rames and Low Yinn Ean on their outstanding achievement at WRC 2023 and wishes them the best of luck in their upcoming endeavours.

We are confident that their dedication and passion will continue to inspire future generations of engineers and innovators.