YOGYAKARTA- The UGM robot team together with the teams from ITB and Unikom were met directly by Minister of National Education, M. Nuh, in his office today (13/4). The teams respectively became the first and second winners in the 'Trinity College Fire Fighting Home Robot Contest', 9-10 April 2011 in Hartford, Connecticut, USA. The Minister in the gathering was accompanied by Director General for Higher Learning Djoko Santoso.
In the friendly meeting, the Minister congratulated the students for their achievements. He also offered scholarships in S-2 for them. The Minister apart from feeling proud also expected that robot labs can be developed at universities.
"The Minister also hoped that robot laboratories can be developed at higher learning institutions,” said Deputy Dean for Student Affairs, Cooperation, and Research, Faculty of Engineering UGM, Prof. Ir. Jamasri, Ph.D., who also accompanied the students to the USA.
Jamasri added that the gathering with the Minister was also attended by Rector of ITB , Prof. Dr. Akhmaloka, Dean of Faculty of Engineering UGM, Ir. Tumiran, M.Eng., Ph.D., and Head of Electrical Engineering and IT UGM, Ir. Lukito Edi Nugroho, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Jamasri said that the achiemevent has made the UGM team unable to return sooner due to the numerous requests for interview from the press and TV stations. Plans are that they will return on Thursday (14/4) to Yogyakarta. "Upon returning from Jakarta, we will tell about our achievements that brings pride for UGM and Indonesia," said Jamasri.
The two robots made by UGM students representing Indonesia in the Senior Wheeled Robot category in the international competition have gained prestigious place. The robots, 'Koplax' and 'Ironfire', were first and second winners. The UGM team consists of Farid Inawan, Noer Azis Ismail, Luiz Rizki Ramelan (Electrical Engineering 2009), and Wahyu Wijayanto (Civil Engineering 2008).
Three robots made by Unikom, Bandung representing Indonesia for RoboWaiter category also won.. Robot 'DU99 RWE' came first for advanced level and first and second in standard level. Two robots from ITB, 'Zarqun' and 'ASA', came first and second for Walking Robot category.