The Windsor Essex Great Lakes Regional FIRST Robotics Competition will bring 52 teams—high school students from across the province, the U.S. and as far away as Poland—to the St. Denis Centre this weekend for a competition that promises the excitement of sports with the rigours of science and technology.

The teams have each been working since January to develop their own take on a robot that can participate in a type of robotic ‘capture the flag’ game called Stronghold. Following set-up and practice matches today and Thursday, teams will participate in qualifying matches Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Final rounds take place Saturday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., followed immediately by an awards ceremony.

Teams can qualify for a spot at the April 27 to 30 world championships in St. Louis, Missouri, by winning at Stronghold, but also by earning such honours as best rookie team, or by writing the best business plan.

The event is free and open to the public. Click here for more information: http://www.windsoressexfirst.org/.