As the population grows, so does the problem of food shortages. It is therefore important to find solutions for the future today. Food shortages are also the focus of this year’s World Robot Olympiad (WRO
The WRO is a robot competition that aims to get children and young people interested in technology and science at an international level. Under the motto “Food Matters”, the Paderborn team Mealworms – Kristin, Amelie (both 15 years old) and Kim (14 years old) – developed an automated breeding and processing station for mealworms using a LEGO MINDSTORMS system. “Mealworms are seen as the food of the future. In addition to being comparatively easy and inexpensive to raise, the insects are also rich in vitamins and minerals,” explains team member Kim.
The efforts of the students from Gymnasium Schloss Neuhaus were rewarded: they won the German final of the WRO. This means that the three have qualified for the world final in Thailand, which will take place in Chiang Mai in mid-November.
However, the team is dependent on donations to be able to take part in the final. Stefan Rupprecht, Managing Director of FASTEC GmbH, was therefore invited to visit the girls at their school to see the model in action. He was very impressed by the students’ commitment.
“It’s really remarkable how much time and knowledge the three of them have put into this project. We are therefore very happy to support the team and are keeping our fingers crossed for them!”
The students immediately found a use for the donation: “With the help of FASTEC’s support, we were able to convert our model to make it airplane-compatible. We would like to say a big thank you for this,” says Amelie happily.
