The 2011 MoonBots competition is now open for registration. The challenge, which pits teams of three to five team members, ranging in age from 9 to 17, gives kids the opportunity to achieve some requirements inspired by the Lunar X Prize … but with Lego Mindstorms.
This year, during the first phase of the competition, teams will be tasked with creating a video that answers one of four space related questions. Team members will also have to create a robot proposal and provide some biographical data. Judges will evaluate entries and narrow the field by selecting a number of teams to advance to the second phase, where robots will be constructed using Lego Mindstorms kits. Teams will then compete against other teams by trying to score points by completing a number of lunar-related robotic tasks. New for this year, teams will also be responsible for performing STEM outreach to promote science, engineering and robotics.
This year’s competition is sponsored by Lego and X Prize with partners FIRST, Wired and your very own GeekDad and GeekMom. There will be some great prizes, including a trip for the winning team to the new Legoland Florida. Last year’s field yielded some impressive entries from teams around the globe and this year is sure to be more fun. Stop by Moonbots, review the FAQ, and register today!
