Cork robotics team raising funds for world championship final in US

The robotics team of five 5th year students of Coláiste Choilm in Ballincollig, known as Nuts and Bolts, qualified for the Vex Robotics World Championships in Dallas in May.

The trip, which includes flights for the team and their robot, as well as accommodation will cost upwards of €25,000 and the school has held a number of fundraisers to cover the cost.

Science, Physics and Computer Science teacher Tara Lokhorst said:

“It’s going to cost a lot of money for us to get there. We’re looking for people to sponsor through companies or donations through our iDonate page.

“The competition is going to cost us between €25,000 - €30,000, just to get there.

“We’ve done a few private fundraisers in the school, and we are getting sponsorships in from companies and local businesses.

“It’s a huge amount to raise,” she said.

The Vex World Championships requires the team to build and code a robot to complete a series of tasks to earn points.

Two players on each team would control the robot, and the teammates are required to follow through with a strategy that gives them an advantage over their opponents.

Ms Lokhorst described the team’s inclusion as a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Nuts and Bolts consists of Ferida Ó Cuisín Mag Fhionnáin, Fionn Beale Walsh, Colm Doyle, Sean Springorum and Cillian O'Toole, and the team is already national champions, and Ms Lokhorst and Engineering and Technical Graphics teacher Nigel O'Callaghan provide their expertise.

“The competition involves regional competitions at different locations across Ireland, with the top teams from each regional entering the Irish national finals.

“The finals were held on February 25 in Munster Technological University and our 5th year team won the finals as Tournament Champions and Robot Skills champions, earning a place at the world championship in Texas this May,” Ms Lokhorst said.

Topping Robot Skills means they are ranked as the number one Vex Robotics v5 team in Ireland.

“Your support will not only enable our students to participate but will also empower them to gain invaluable experiences, build confidence and inspire future careers in STEM fields.

“Every donation will help reach our target. Any excess funds will be used for our school’s extracurricular programme,” Ms Lokhorst added.

Please contact taralokhorst@colaistechoilm.ie or the school office 0214873308 if you are interested in being a sponsor.

Alternatively, you can donate via idonate.ie/fundraiser/ColaisteChoilmGaelcholaisteChoilmVexRobotics