The first Hawaii VEX State Championship robotic competition, presented by Hawaiian Electric, was held Dec. 20 and 21 at Honolulu Community College with 40 participating teams from across Hawaii. This year’s VEX game, “Toss Up,” challenged the teams to build the most innovative robot possible to score higher points than their opponents on a playing field similar to an athletic court. Teams played timed matches using colored balls of different sizes placed in designated zones by their robots to earn points. After the final elimination matches, 18 Hawaii teams are now qualified to advance to the World VEX Robotic Championships April 23 to 26 in Anaheim, Calif..
Waiakea Intermediate School was part of the three team alliance along with team captain, Waialua High and Mililani High that won the Hawaii State VEX Tournament Championship trophy and banner, which qualified the teams for the World VEX Championship. Waiakea High, Kohala High and Waialua High formed an alliance and finished as tournament finalists which also qualified the teams for the World VEX Championship.
Kealakehe High School won the Create and Energy awards.
Other Big Island teams qualified for the World Championship through their scores in programming and driver skills state rankings, are Hilo High and Honokaa High. Two Kohala Middle teams are also qualified for the World Championship after winning the Tournament Championship at the Hawaii Middle School VEX Championship held earlier.
For more information or to view list of all participating teams, visit robotevents.com/robot-competitions/vex-robotics-competition/hawaii-state-vex-championship.html.