In today’s world, where artificial intelligence and advanced technologies are reshaping every aspect of life, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is making strides in nurturing the creative potential of its youth. The First Robotics Competition for General Education, aimed at integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education into the curriculum took place not so long ago.

Students from kindergartens, elementary schools, lower middle schools, and higher middle schools across the country participated in this groundbreaking event. Teams of three students from each province worked together to design and construct transport robots capable of solving specific tasks under various scenarios.

Particularly notable were the robots created by students from Wonsan First Middle School in Kangwon Province. Senior students Bae Seong-jun, Kim Hyung Un, and Ri Tae Song, under the guidance of their teacher Yun Sang Il, developed a transport robot designed to support factories in their province in alignment with the “Local Development 20×10 Policy.” Their robot, equipped with a light-tracking mechanism and capable of carrying up to 50 kilograms, was warmly received by the Kimhwa County Food Factory, earning operational certification and widespread acclaim during the competition.

Other entries also showcased extraordinary creativity. Students from Dongpyonggang First Middle School and Potonggang District Segori Elementary School introduced robots capable of performing diverse functions, such as obstacle navigation and material transport. Meanwhile, students from Chollima District Pogoo Elementary School in Nampo City demonstrated a robot that not only transported goods but also drew pictures, capturing the audience’s imagination. Additionally, Chongjin City Pohang District Namgang Elementary School students received enthusiastic applause for their voice-activated robot.

Students from Dongpyeongyang 1st Middle School who won first place in the competition

Students from Dongpyongyang 1st Middle School who won first place in the competition

The competition’s evaluation criteria focused on the practical utility of the robots in both production sites and educational institutions. Judges assessed factors such as the robots’ ability to replace human labor, cost-effectiveness, the variety of components used, and their feasibility for mass production. Robots with unique technical capabilities, such as obstacle avoidance, mechanical arm stacking, and information relay, were awarded additional points.

Students were also assessed on their presentations, which included videos showcasing the robot development process and live demonstrations. Participants explained their designs and answered technical questions, further demonstrating their understanding. Remarkably, many students delivered their presentations in foreign languages, underscoring their intellectual competence and linguistic skills.

Children piloting robots they created

Children piloting robots they created

Educational experts noted that the competition’s outstanding robots would serve as exemplary STEAM education tools and be introduced nationwide to further enhance educational standards. Dong Chul Min, a director at the Ministry of Education, remarked: “While the robots are all called transport robots, their designs and functions are as diverse as the creativity of the students. Each robot reflects the determination of our youth to contribute to the country’s development as future talents.”

The event also attracted international attention, with Elvira Shamonova, head of the Russian Primorsky Krai education delegation, expressing admiration for the students’ intellectual capabilities and foreign language proficiency. She highlighted the creativity and practicality of their designs, sharing her delight in receiving milk transported by one of the robots.

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