2022 SA Power Networks School Robotics Challenge winners named
Berri Regional Secondary College was named the winner of the 2022 SA Power Networks VEX Robotics Challenge at a showcase event held at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Main Picture: The overall winning team from Berri Regional Secondary College, Damon Clews, Ethan Baldock, Denika Clarke, Kiana Rundell and Josh King. Teacher (not in shot): Mrs Tahlia Woodgate.
Thirteen public and private schools competed to help solve a powerful challenge – to develop and build a robot that can:
- Navigate to and from a control arm in a (simulated) substation
- Operate the disconnect arm (supply and disconnect power)
- Use image recognition to identify any faults and to confirm successful operation.
The overall winner was selected based on their ability to best complete the tasks.
On Thursday 3 November, the schools revealed their creations. They also got to meet Spot the Dog, our asset inspecting four-legged robot dog.
The competition is linked to the STEM program in schools, with participants being supported by experts from SA Power Networks and VEX Robotics.
Why a substation challenge?
SA Power Networks’ substations operate at up to 66,000 Volts. Substations are a crucial part of the electricity supply network, providing important voltage management and safety protection as well as network management system controls. Sometimes a particular abnormality with equipment can pose a threat to crews entering the site. Robots offer a potential solution to making a site safe prior to crews entering the substation.
While we have various safe work procedures to currently minimise this risk when undertaking manual switching in substations, the use of robots will eliminate risk. We see the use of robots or drones as a major opportunity for innovation that can improve efficiency and safety.
List of winners
Big congratulations to the team from Berri Regional School, who won the main Innovation Award. All winners:
- Innovation (main award and overall winner): Berri Regional Secondary College
- Navigation: Mid North Christian College - Port Pirie
- Operation: Oakbank School
- Image Recognition: Pulteney Grammar School
- WD-40 (most hardworking): Reynella East College
Participating schools
The 13 schools participating in the 2022 SA Power Networks VEX Robotics challenge were: Adelaide Botanic High School, Banksia Park International High School, Berri Regional Secondary College, Gawler & Districts B-12 College, Kadina Memorial School, Mid North Christian College, Oakbank Area School Para Hills High School, Pembroke School, Pulteney Grammar School, Reynella East College, St. Martins Lutheran College and Woodcroft College
More information
Want to be part of our future drones and robotics program? Read more about our Apprenticeship, Cadet and Graduate programs.