Secondary students from across the State got an insight into primary industries science and technology career opportunities in at the recent annual WA Robotics Playoffs and Innovation Challenge.
More than 300 students participated in the weekend event, supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Murdoch University and Curtin University.
A total of 30 teams from 24 schools participated in Robotics Playoffs, while 31 teams from 14 schools competed in the Innovation Challenge, including regional competitors from Merredin, Bridgetown, Bunbury, Geraldton and Exmouth.
This year’s WA Robotics Playoffs featured a Reefscape challenge, where robots removed algae (large balls), from a reef (metal frame), to throw in a processing plant (suspended net) or place new coral (plastic pipe) back onto the reef.
At the end of the challenge, the teams had to dock at the barge (a marked area on the game floor) or hang from dive bells (suspended metal frames).
Robots compete in teams of three and form strategic alliances to compete in the finals.
The 2025 playoff winners were Scotch College and Lynwood Senior High School, both teams mentored by Curtin University.
The Innovation Challenge featured three scenarios that required teams to use ag-tech and science to solve real world challenges facing WA’s primary industries.
Challenge 1 was to design an innovative solution to overcome Artificial Intelligence limitations in datasets, computation costs and environmental variability to improve weed detection and management.
Challenge 2 focused on creating an automated, environmentally friendly system to effectively deter birds from damaging grapes in WA vineyards.
Challenge 3 required students to design a system to help consumers access and understand the carbon and environmental impact of seafood.
Exmouth District High School won the event with their response to Challenge 3, followed by Aveley Secondary College, which took on Challenge 2, and Iona Presentation College, which completed Challenge 1.
Cash prizes of up to $1500 were awarded to winning teams to purchase science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) equipment for their schools.
The gathering at Curtin Stadium also featured an agricultural science showcase, including a high-tech tractor, drones and autonomous robotics, supported by careers information.
DPIRD workforce capability manager Suzanne Wharrier said it was great to see participation grow in the annual event.
“Interest continues to build in STEM careers, particularly in our primary industries,” she said.
“There have been rapid advances across science disciplines in recent years, which have seen amazing innovations and new technology developed to improve primary industry production, profitability and sustainability.
“The Robotics Playoffs and Innovation Challenge is a great, fun way to showcase these opportunities to students, teachers and parents and explore future career opportunities.”
For more information about STEM careers in primary industries visit https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/individuals/students/career-pathways/
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