Robots, drones, and unmanned aerial vehicles: large-scale technology competitions will be held at the Science Festival in Minsk
On September 5 and 6, the Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus will become a hub for young engineers and high-tech enthusiasts. The Science Festival will feature the first-ever "Intellectual Technologies" platform, which will feature five spectacular competitions. This was announced today by Vladimir Karanik, Chairman of the Presidium of the NAS of Belarus, during the organizational meeting on the preparation and holding of the event. According to him, the Academy of Sciences, as the organizer, strives to make science as accessible and engaging as possible for all ages. Therefore, both children aged 6 and older and adults can participate in the competition, although pre-registration is required.
"This year, the Science Festival will be an open, interactive platform. We want every guest to not just observe the process but to become an active participant. Visitors will be able to experience being drone operators, try navigating a robot along a challenging course, or score a goal with a robot football player," emphasized Vladimir Karanik.
The competition program covers the most relevant areas of robotics:
Drone Football (ages 13–16): Pilots control quadcopters, aiming to hit the opponent's goal. A key feature: before the championship, participants undergo professional selection and training at Belarusian State Aviation Academy.
Obstacle course "RTK Cup" (ages 7 and up): a test for ground robots, which must navigate a challenging course and complete a series of practical tasks that require time and accuracy.
Controlled Robot Football (7-15 years old): team matches where young engineers control compact robot football players.
Roborace Driverless Car Racing (ages 6+): High-speed racing with autonomous cars, similar to Formula 1 racing.
“RTK Major League Cup: City Driving” (from 15 years old): hackathon on autonomous navigation. Participants will have to program the robot so that it goes through a city route, strictly observing traffic rules. The winners will receive the main prize - a ticket to the finals of the competition at the Sirius Educational Center (Sochi). "Our 'Intelligent Technologies' platform is more than just another tournament. We conceived it as a space for growth and new discoveries for young inventors and young people who are just beginning to take their first, yet conscious, steps in science and robotics. This is an excellent opportunity for them to make a statement and take a fresh look at the possibilities of artificial intelligence and automated systems," said Vladimir Karanik.
The Science Festival is the largest popular science event in Belarus. This year, Minsk residents and guests will be treated to a veritable kaleidoscope of experiences: master classes and lectures from leading experts and renowned scientists, interactive zones, and captivating shows. Detailed information on the competition rules, regulations, and registration forms is available on the Science Festival's official website: https://scifest.by.
