On Saturday, December 7, 60 students from Estonian high schools and vocational education centers tested their knowledge at Robotex to gain admission to TalTech School of IT through the first AI competition. Young people needed to solve tasks in artificial intelligence, programming, and logic. Up to 100 Estonian students could participate in the competition.
The innovative competition format consisted of three rounds. In the preliminary round, participants navigated through a labyrinth designed by informatics students, where they answered questions about artificial intelligence and programming hidden under QR codes. The main round featured more complex tasks in "Capture the Flag" format, requiring knowledge of AI, data processing, and algorithms. In the presentation round, the best competitors got to present their solutions to a professional evaluation committee, which determined the final rankings.
"This competition is a unique opportunity for young people who want to challenge themselves," said Ago Luberg, Program Director of Informatics at TalTech. "The top six competitors will get special conditions to study at TalTech School of IT in their chosen major," Luberg emphasized. All students aged 16 and above could participate
Competition coordinator and informatics student Kelli Pikka noted that the first round included 11 points in the labyrinth where QR codes reveal multiple-choice questions. All competitors had up to 20 minutes to complete the labyrinth, and the 20 participants with the highest scores advanced to the main round, Pikka explained.
Visitors to the TalTech exhibition booth could see the student formula car and take home a self-made flashlight or learn tips about solar panel installation. It's also possible to ask questions and get answers about TalTech's admission requirements and studies.
Robotex is the planet's largest robotics competition, which began in 2001 in a Tallinn University of Technology classroom. Throughout its history, competitions have been held in various fields: line following, maze navigation, volleyball, rope climbing, room cleaning, football, water rally, rallycross, sea rescue, and other tasks. The competition has had participants from various high schools and universities, companies, and from abroad.