Max Du and his team, Forge 4421, are preparing for the Canadian Pacific Regional Competition in Vancouver next weekend. As part of the Alberta Tech Alliance Association, Du and his team have been using robotics to promote STEM education since 2014. They have a history of success, with banners from competitions all over North America adorning their workshop. Edgar Yajure, also with ATAA, highlights the importance of programs like theirs in providing youth with hands-on STEM experiences that many engineering graduates do not have the opportunity to explore.
The ATAA welcomes youth as young as nine years old to join their program, starting with Lego projects and progressing to building 140-pound robots using advanced equipment like chop saws and CNC machines. Du, who started with ATAA as a youth, credits the organization with guiding him towards a future in STEM. He plans to pursue STEM in post-secondary education, thanks to the experiences and skills he gained through the ATAA. The team is aiming to qualify for the world championships in Houston in April, with hopes of showcasing their robot-building talents on a global stage.
Yajure emphasizes the unique challenge and opportunity presented by creating an automatic machine as part of the ATAA program. Participants are involved in every step, from conceptualization to building prototypes, showcasing the hardest but most enjoyable work they will experience. The ATAA has a track record of success, which includes participating in world championships in the past. The team’s passion for robotics and STEM is evident in their dedication to perfecting their robot before the upcoming competition.
Du reflects on the significance of this year’s competition, recognizing it as his last year with the team and acknowledging the exceptional quality of their robot. The team has been honing their skills and techniques over the years, resulting in one of their best robots to date. The ATAA has been instrumental in fostering a love for STEM among Alberta youth, with Yajure recalling the exceptional start the team had in their rookie year that led them to the world championship. The ATAA provides a unique platform for youth to engage in challenging and rewarding STEM projects that prepare them for future academic and professional pursuits.
As the team gears up for the upcoming competition, they are focused on making final adjustments and tweaks to their robot. The workshop is a testament to their dedication, with banners of past victories serving as motivation for the team as they prepare for the Canadian Pacific Regional Competition. The ATAA’s commitment to promoting STEM education through robotics has had a lasting impact on its members, inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM fields and showcasing their talents on regional and global stages. The team’s enthusiasm and expertise demonstrate the power of hands-on learning experiences to inspire future generations of innovators and problem-solvers.
