Lam Research Korea said on May 20 that it has started nationwide qualifying rounds for the high school robotics competition programme, the Lam Research Robo Challenge. The programme is hosted by Lam Research Korea and social cooperative SeedCoop, and sponsored by the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity. It aims to foster future talent for an industrial environment shifting toward AI and intelligent automation.

In the northern Gyeonggi qualifier, local high school students took part in an Arduino-based robot-building and mission-execution programme. Students controlled robots in teams using sensors and motors. The programme proceeded by repeatedly building and testing to develop engineering thinking and problem-solving skills.

The programme is designed as a hands-on format in which students learn basic robot structures and operating principles and experience building and control. It focuses on improving understanding of future technologies through practice-oriented education as AI-based manufacturing and robotics technologies expand. The organiser said participating students showed strong concentration and willingness to engage in robot-building and mission tasks at the event.

Following northern Gyeonggi, qualifiers will be held sequentially across five regions nationwide, including southern Gyeonggi, Daejeon, Daegu and Gwangju. The next qualifier will be held on May 23 in Ansan. Those who pass regional qualifiers will advance to the final on Aug. 13 at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry International Conference Hall.

The final will include advanced mission execution and presentation assessments. Outstanding participants will receive prize money and opportunities to visit Lam Research Korea headquarters and take part in on-site mentoring. They will also be offered the chance to attend a global robotics competition held in South Korea.

A SeedCoop official said, "This programme is an educational programme designed to help teenagers experience robotics directly and become more familiar with future technologies." The official added, "We plan to continue various field-focused programmes so we can expand interest in advanced science and technology fields and opportunities for career exploration."