Rugby robots take to the field at UCD

Move over Paul O’Connell — your robotic replacements are here.

Well, not quite, but yesterday at University College Dublin a squad of rugby-playing robots were unveiled ahead of the 2012 Siemens RoboRugby Competition.

Built by 63 first-year engineering students at UCD, the robots don’t look as imposing as a rampaging All Black centre or a glowering French second row, but they can certainly take a hit or two.

Former New Zealand flanker and number 8 Jerry Collins may have gone by the nickname “the Terminator” but, according to UCD engineering lecturer Brian Mulkeen, these robots are closer to indestructibility than even the most fearsome forward.

“Since January, first-year engineering students have devoted thousands of hours to designing, building and programming miniature robots to compete in the Siemens RoboRugby final and they’ve really enjoyed it,” he said.

“The design and problem-solving skills they learn are an important part of an engineering education at UCD, and the competition and prizes provide an extra incentive.”

The annual RoboRugby competition is more similar to Robot Wars than a mechanised Heineken Cup encounter, but the 21 machines are fully autonomous and pre-programmed by the three-strong design team.

The machines, built with materials including Lego Technics parts, come in various shapes and sizes and the aim of the game is to score points by moving some or all of the 15 balls in play into scoring areas on a 2.4m by 1.2m playing table, while also trying to prevent the opposing robot from scoring.

This year there is a heavy focus on the technical and creative aspect of building the machines, with both UCD and Siemens claiming the robotics industry could be a key player in the future of the economy.

Paul Lynam, CEO of Siemens Limited, said: “The students have shown amazing commitment and creativity in designing and programming the robots this year.

“Engineers are at the coalface of Ireland’s most innovative and groundbreaking products and services. They are working to create new technologies which could help rebuild the Irish economy in growing industries such as healthcare, biotechnology and renewable energy.”

The final of the 2012 Siemens RoboRugby Competition takes place tomorrow in the Clinton Auditorium in UCD.