Learners from Vhafamadi High School excelled at the First LEGO League (FLL) Challenge held at Sci-Bono in Johannesburg on Saturday, 7 December. The competition brought together young innovators from across South Africa to tackle real-world problems using robotics, teamwork, and creativity.
The FLL Challenge is a global competition for children aged 9 to 16. Participants use LEGO materials to build and programme robots. Each year, the event focuses on a real-world theme, such as energy or sustainability. Teams research the theme, propose solutions, and present their ideas to judges. They also programme robots to complete tasks on a game board.
Vhafamadi High impressed the judges with their technical skills and creativity. The school entered four teams: Water Queens, Virtuoso Vigorous, Subzero Innovators, and We Can. Of these, Water Queens, Virtuoso Vigorous, and Subzero Innovators advanced to the next stage of the competition. Team Virtuoso Vigorous received the Rising Star Award, while the Water Queens earned the Breakthrough Award.
The challenge was divided into two sections: the Robot Games and the Innovation Project. In the Robot Games, teams designed and programmed robots using LEGO materials and the Scratch programming language (though some schools used Python). Points were awarded for completing missions.
The Innovation Project required teams to solve real-world problems. This year's theme, "Submerged," focused on underwater challenges. Vhafamadi High stood out for their innovative solutions and teamwork.
Coach Rophulusa Raphulu praised the learners, saying, "Winning awards in this competition is a humbling experience. It's the first time we've won, and we are proud to represent our province."
The Subzero Innovators achieved eighth place out of 62 teams in the Robot Games, scoring 280 points. Their innovation project featured a waterproof smartwatch that locates lost divers by linking to rescue submarines. This placed them 34th in the innovation category, giving them an overall position of 30th.
Virtuoso Vigorous scored 230 points in the Robot Games, securing 21st place. Their innovation project focused on maritime safety, featuring ultrasonic sensors and devices that emit frequencies to deter aquatic animals from obstructing ships. This earned them 23rd place in the innovation category and an overall 15th position.
The Water Queens also performed well, scoring 220 points in the Robot Games, which earned them 20th place. Their innovation project proposed an underwater drone that maps ocean currents to improve navigation. The drone collects real-time data on currents and operates at depths of up to 50 km, powered by rechargeable batteries and water currents. This innovation secured them 22nd place in the innovation category and an overall position of 29th.
Virtuoso Vigorous will proceed to the continental competition in Cape Town next year. The date and venue are yet to be announced.