Pupils from Pembrokeshire have been learning how to build and programme robots as part of a new educational project based on the Milford Haven Waterway.

The Port of Milford Haven teamed up with Dark Sky Wales and the Dragon LNG Darwin Experience to run the Waterway Robotics Challenge in five schools, culminating in a grand finale at the Port’s headquarters.

The year six pupils were set the challenge of constructing a robot from specialist Lego kits, then had to use coding to programme it to navigate through a 3D model of the Waterway. Julia Szubb, Alex Cook, Gethin Picton and Jamie Bowles, from Milford Haven Junior School won the competition with their robot ‘Fandango’.

Allan Trow from Dark Sky Wales said: “I’d like to thank the Port of Milford Haven for the forward thinking shown in supporting this event. It has given around 150 pupils the opportunity to experience robotics and coding in a real world scenario, in line with the Welsh Government’s Digital Competency Framework. The participating students enjoyed the experience and now have a greater appreciation for the work the Port of Milford Haven does.”

Commenting on how the project went Anna Malloy, PR and communications manager at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “We’re really pleased with the success of the Waterway Robotics Challenge. The pupils really embraced the challenge and made every effort to complete it to the best of their ability. Working with Allan from Dark Sky Wales and the staff from Darwin has enabled us to engage in an innovative, hands-on way with local children. As well as stimulating interest in programming, we hope we’ve inspired some of them to consider a career in the Port industry.”

Deputy harbourmaster Steve Hardcastle presented the winning team with a WH Smith voucher each, £500 in vouchers for IT equipment for their school and invited them to visit the Port’s new simulator suite which will be unveiled later this year. The simulator will be the first of its kind in the UK enabling pilots and marine staff, internal and external, to carry out specialised training locally.

A video of the project can be viewed online at www.mhpa.co.uk/waterway-robotics-challenge