Botball Set to Sweep Convention Center

Hawai`i residents are encouraged to visit the Hawai`i Convention Center (Exhibition Hall III) on Saturday, May 10 at 10 a.m. HST to cheer on teams as they compete using autonomous robots constructed from a large Lego kit, two remote controls and 20 sensors.

The 2008 Botball game scenario involves a simulation in which a solar flare is endangering a space crew.  During the competition, the autonomous robots must rescue astronauts and their crops, and launch their solar sails, in under two minutes.  Robots are encouraged to cross to the opposition's playing field for bonus points.

Robotics is a critical component of the Lingle-Aiona Administration's Hawai`i Innovation Initiative because it engages students in science, technology, engineering and math education. The competition also provides students with teamwork and problem-solving skills that will better prepare them to enter the work force.  The Hawai`i Regional Botball Program began in 2004 and has quickly become Botball's second largest region.

• If you are interested in starting a robotics team at your school, please email Governor.Lingle@hawaii.gov for more information.

The following teams are registered to compete in the Hawai`i regional:

Academy of the Pacific, Honolulu

Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, Lihu'e

Earl's Garage, Kamuela

Hanalani High School, Mililani

Hanalani Intermediate School, Mililani

Hawai'i Preparatory Academy, Kamuela

Highlands Intermediate, Pearl City

Hilo High School, Hilo

Hilo Intermediate, Hilo

Honoka'a High School, Honoka'a

Iao School, Wailuku

Innovations Public Charter School, Kailua-Kona

'Iolani School, Honolulu

Island School, Lihu'e

Kahuku High And Intermediate, Kahuku

Kalakaua Middle School, Honolulu

Kapa'a Middle School, Kapa'a

Kealakehe High School, Kailua-Kona

King Kekaulike, Pukalani

Maui Waena Intermediate/Maui High, Kahului

Mid-Pacific Institute, Honolulu

Moanalua High School, Honolulu

Moanalua Middle School, Honolulu

Olomana School, Kailua

Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School, Honolulu

Roosevelt High School, Honolulu

Samuel Wilder King Intermediate School, Kane'ohe

W.R. Farrington High School, Honolulu

Wahiawa Middle School, Wahiawa

Waiakea High School, Hilo

Waiakea Intermediate School, Hilo

Waimea Canyon Middle School, Waimea

Waimea Middle School, Kamuela

Waipahu High School, Waipahu

Waipahu Intermediate School, Waipahu

Washington Middle School, Honolulu