Disney UK supports global Lego robotics competition

The new season of the annual FLL competition tasks 9 to16 year olds with building and programming robots, using LEGO MINDSTORM robots, to perform a range of challenging tasks, including shooting a ball into a small goal and unlocking a hoop from a trap.

Gareth James, head of education at the IET, said: "It’s great to have Disney on board for this year’s FIRST LEGO League competition as it will help to grow awareness of robotics and engineering among a much wider audience – and hopefully get the message to young children that studying STEM can lead to fascinating and exciting careers.

"The UK is currently facing a significant skills gap in engineering and technology. It is predicted that we will need 87,000 new engineers each year for the next decade. With help from Disney, we want to attract more and more young people to things like engineering and robotics, so that they consider pursuing careers in these areas in later life.”

There will be a special video message from the directors of Big Hero 6 highlighting the importance of developing engineering skills at a young age and Disney will be presenting a unique Baymax trophy to the overall winner of the Core Values Award at the UK and Ireland FLL final in February 2015.

The winner of the UK and Ireland final will then go on to St Louis, USA to represent the UK and Ireland at the FIRST LEGO League World Festival in April 2015.

The IET is FLL’s UK operational partner. Supporting the competition is part of the IET’s commitment to show young people the benefits of careers within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

FIRST LEGO League helps young competitors to develop skills in design and technology, programming and control, mathematics, research, strategic thinking and teamwork. For more information visit: www.firstlegoleague.co.uk.