"Why we choose RoboLand" – told the participants of the festival from different countries

In Karaganda, the Zhastar sports complex has become a country of robots for two days, the creators of which are children and teenagers.

The VII International Festival of Robotics, Programming and Innovative Technologies RoboLand-2022 brought together participants from five countries – Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Greece.

More than 300 teams, over 800 fans of technical creativity competed in competitions in 16 categories.

RoboLand is included in the list of Olympiads and competitions of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. How in Greece they learned about the festival in Karaganda, why it is prestigious and useful to get to it, the participants themselves told.

– Four years ago, my husband participated in RoboLand as a speaker. He conducted a seminar on the development of STEM education. This year we received an invitation from the organizers. We decided to try our hand at competitions in robo geometry and 3D modeling. I flew to Kazakhstan with three students of the school. The way is long: the island of Crete – Athens – Istanbul – Astana, a day in the air. But this is a good opportunity for us to reach a new level," says Kristina Lampraki, director of the private robotics club from Ierapetra city.

And although it was not possible to win prizes, there are advantages from participation, according to representatives of abroad.

– I liked that a lot of guys from different countries gathered. The climate is very friendly. I found new friends here, exchanged contacts, we will communicate. The problem of robo geometry turned out to be difficult, I worked on it for a long time, but this is a great experience in solving problems. If there is such an opportunity, I would like to participate in this festival again," shared Manos Foros, a student from Greece.

In Kazakhstan, even those schoolchildren who successfully perform abroad dream of getting to Robland.

– I wanted to participate in RoboLand when I was still in the 7th grade. Then I couldn't because of the blockage in my studies. I'm glad it worked out this year. Despite the fact that I have already visited international competitions in London, Houston, I aspired to come here. I want to show my achievements and see what others can do. Small children also perform here – I hope to inspire them with my example. In addition, this is a good opportunity to make new friends," said Nursultan Dzhanzakov, an 11th grader from Nazarbayev Intellectual School in Almaty.

The A'Doner team, of which he is a member, presented a robot playing the dombra at the festival. According to the creators, in the future an electronic musician can become part of a live orchestra. The audience is already applauding him. The performance was recognized as the best in the category "Show with robots".

Tenth-grader Nargiza Duskalieva came from the village of Taskala, West Kazakhstan region.

– It's a cleaning robot. It can work autonomously for a day, without recharging," she presented her team's model. – A week ago, we went to an international competition in St. Petersburg with the same robot and received silver. We managed to register on RoboLand, and here we are. The more competitions, the more experience.

In the creative category among high school students, the competition turned out to be serious. The cleaning job got the third place.

The second place was won by a team from Bishkek with a robot Teddy – a medical assistant. It has a built-in sensor that will measure the child's temperature and other body parameters. The helper toy can be used at the reception in the polyclinic, in kindergartens and entertainment centers.

One of the team members, 11th grader Rinat Sovetkanov, came to RoboLand four years ago. Then it was not possible to take any awards.

– In 2018, we participated in the "Following the Line" category. It was our debut in international competitions. We do not have such festivals in Kyrgyzstan. Our guys were inspired, improved their skills. Of course, participation in such competitions gives an opportunity to develop. The festival in Karaganda is held at a high level. The guys get a wonderful experience and a huge charge of emotions and impressions, – said Ivan Pichurevich, a teacher of the robotics club.

Uzbekistan is also not participating in the festival for the first time. We were in Karaganda in 2019. This time, six teams arrived – 13 children aged 6 to 16 years.

– We have come to win! – the delegation from Tashkent declared from the threshold.

The Gold Cup was won in kegelring competitions. And they took prizes in other categories.

The winners and prize-winners were awarded with cups, medals, diplomas and gifts. The Karaganda region was in the lead in the team competition. The second place was taken by the national team of Pavlodar region, the third – by West Kazakhstan.