Three students attending the Malta College for the Arts, Science and Technology (Mcast) are in Mexico City representing the country for the second edition of the First Global Robotics Challenge this week.

The students are Aaron Josef Farrugia, Monique Micallef and Darren Farrugia.

They are following an advanced diploma at the Mcast institute of ICT. The latter two are studying software development, while the former is reading computer systems and networks. The event is being held between Thursday and Sunday.

First Global Robotics is an annual international robotics challenge to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among the more than two billion youths around the world.

Participating teams are composed of students aged 14 to 18 who share the common goal of becoming the next generation of scientific leaders who will work together to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems – from food security and access to clean water to finding more effective medicines and securing cyberspace.

The students are under the supervision of lecturer Lucienne Bonnici and the institute’s director, Conrad Vassallo.

One of Aaron Josef Farrugia’s most recent school projects was a self-driving car model which utilises sensors to keep away from crashing into other objects.

Ms Micallef plans on graduating in artificial intelligence in the coming years. Darren Farrugia is also keen on robotics.

Their participation was possible thanks to the support of Bank of Valletta, Altaro and the Malta Communications Authority.

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