Alberta-based robotics team hopes to qualify for world championships

Forge 4421 Team Prepares for Robotics Glory in Vancouver

Max Du and his team, Forge 4421, are in the final stages of preparation for the Canadian Pacific Regional Competition in Vancouver. As part of the Alberta Tech Alliance Association (ATAA), the team has been tirelessly fine-tuning their robot, ensuring it is in top shape for the upcoming event. For Du, this year’s competition holds special significance—it’s his last year with the team, and he believes their robot is one of the best they’ve ever built. With years of dedication and hard work, the team is ready to showcase their skills on a regional stage. The stakes are high, but the excitement is palpable as they gear up for what could be their most memorable competition yet.

The Alberta Tech Alliance Association: Igniting STEM Passion in Youth

Since its inception in 2014, the Alberta Tech Alliance Association has been a driving force in inspiring young people to explore the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Edgar Yajure, a representative from ATAA, highlights the organization’s mission to create a passion for STEM through robotics. “We actually had a really hot start in our rookie year,” Yajure says proudly, recalling how the team made it all the way to the world championship. Today, the walls of their workshop are adorned with banners from competitions across North America and even as far as Shanghai, a testament to their success over the years.

Hands-On Learning: From LEGO to Advanced Robotics

The ATAA offers a unique opportunity for youth as young as nine years old to dive into the world of robotics. Starting with LEGO, young members begin their STEM journey, gradually advancing to more complex projects as they gain experience. By the time they reach their teenage years, they are working with advanced tools like chop saws, CNC machines, and other equipment to build robots that can weigh up to 140 pounds. This hands-on approach not only fosters technical skills but also instills a sense of creativity and perseverance. As Yajure puts it, “This challenge and this opportunity to make an automatic machine is something that many engineering graduates don’t actually get. To be able to work on the conceptualization to the prototypes, trying and failing many times… This is the hardest fun they’ll ever have!”

Max Du: A STEM Success Story

For Max Du, the ATAA has been more than just a robotics club—it’s been a guiding force in his life. Du joined the organization at a young age and has since become one of its most accomplished members. He credits the ATAA with providing him a supportive environment to explore his passion for STEM. “The ATAA has provided such a good space for me,” Du shares. “Not only with getting involved with STEM, but to continue in STEM to the point where now I’m going to plan to pursue STEM into post-secondary.” Du’s journey is a shining example of how organizations like the ATAA can shape young minds and set them on a path to success.

The Road to Vancouver and Beyond

With their sights set on the Canadian Pacific Regional Competition, the Forge 4421 team is determined to make a strong showing in Vancouver. If they succeed, they hope to qualify for the world championships in Houston this April. The competition is fierce, but the team is confident in their robot’s capabilities. For Du, this could be the perfect way to cap off his time with the ATAA, proving that all their hard work and dedication have paid off. The entire team is ready to give it their all and make their mark on the robotics stage.

Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

The ATAA’s impact extends far beyond the competitions they win. By providing young people with hands-on experience in robotics and engineering, the organization is shaping the next generation of STEM leaders. From building LEGO models to designing complex robots, members of the ATAA gain invaluable skills that will serve them well in their future careers. As Du prepares to take the next step in his educational journey, he stands as a testament to the transformative power of organizations like the ATAA. With their sights set on Vancouver and beyond, the Forge 4421 team is ready to show the world what they’re made of.