DALTON, Mass. — The Berkshire Innovation Center will host the 25th annual Berkshire Robotics Challenge on Saturday, March 14, at Wahconah Regional High School. The event, which is free and open to the public, features 25 teams comprising more than 250 students from throughout Berkshire County.

 

This year's theme, "UNEARTHED," focuses on archaeology. Participating students will use programmable robots to complete missions designed to simulate uncovering historical artifacts and innovations.

 

The program begins at 8:55 a.m. with a keynote address by Dr. Antonia Foias, Parish Professor of Anthropology at Williams College. Competition rounds are scheduled between 9:30 a.m. and noon. Following the initial rounds, the top eight point-scorers will advance to the "Great Eight Playoff" at 12:35 p.m.

 

An awards ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Honors will be presented in several categories, including:

 

Performance Awards: Challenge Champion, First Runner Up, and Semi-Finalists.

 

Design & Technical Awards: Best Mechanical Design, Most Innovative Design, Best Programming, and Best Research Project.

 

Special Recognition: Sportsmanship, Team Spirit, "Comeback Kids," and "Against All Odds" awards.

 

The Berkshire Innovation Center serves as both the host and primary sponsor for the annual competition.