A team of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) students from Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) has emerged as champions in the RoboSoccer segment of the “Mechcellence 1.0” robotics competition held at Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Dhaka on February 11, 2023. 

A total of 48 teams from a number of universities including Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), AUST, BRAC University, Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (BUBT) took part in the competition. 

From IUB, there were four teams of engineering students including the “Fabber's AFK Hoonigan,” which clinched the title for their soccer robot that was developed at the Fab Lab IUB, which is the only full-blown fabrication lab in Bangladesh. 

“In RoboSoccer competitions, teams compete in both the design and construction of the robots as well as in the actual performance of the robots in the game of soccer. It is quite difficult to construct this type of soccer-playing robot with precision and speed while preserving the correct dimensions and weight,” said Md Mahmudul Kabir Peyal, a member of the winning team. 

The other members of the team are Sheikh Samanja Anwar, Md Hana Sultan Chowdhury and Sheikh Saif Simran. They secured the Runner Up position at the BUET Robo Carnival robotics competition a few months ago.

Each robot was evaluated before the matches began on the basis of their design, weight, and operating voltage. The game was evaluated on the number of goals scored. Soccer robots are mainly designed for competition and entertainment purposes. 

However, the design and idea of these robots could have potential applications during search and rescue missions in disaster scenarios or for security purposes, such as monitoring a large area.

Team advisor Dr. Mahady Hasan, also Interim Dean of IUB’s School of Engineering, Technology and Sciences (SETS), said, “The win at the Mechcellence Robotics Competition has not only inspired the CSE department, but also the entire university community, and has enhanced the department's position as a leader in the field of robotics.”

BDST: 2050 HRS, FEB 18, 2023
MN