Students put their technical skills to the test yesterday as part of an island-wide competition to design the best underwater robot.

A total of 28 teams participated in the event that took place at the National Sports Centre swimming pool with the Clearwater Middle School team coming out on top.

The middle school pupils were tasked with putting their designs through a series of manoeuvrability and speed challenges.

The competition was the culminating event of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science’s (BIOS) Mid Atlantic Robotics in Education (MARINE) Programme. The new education initiative, which is the current topic of the HSBC Explorer Programme, is aimed at introducing students to the science and technology behind Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), which are used by researchers and marine industries to survey underwater environments.

BIOS hosted a workshop to help teachers incorporate the MARINE ROV lesson plans and technology in their curricula, and provided “Angelfish ROV” kits so students had the same essential components to work with.

Students then used teamwork and their own knowledge of scientific concepts like buoyancy, density and circuits to build and operate their own ROV. Chris Brown, Head of Financial Crime Compliance and Regulatory Compliance for HSBC Bermuda, said: “It was impressive to see the creativity in the designs and see our young people demonstrate their operational skills when manoeuvring their vehicle, all done, under so much pressure.

“We are pleased to have representation from schools across the island in the competition. Well done to all of the participants.

“This competition was an exciting way to reinforce HSBC’s commitment to our young people in Bermuda, while strengthening our community ties and we thank everyone for participating in the event.”

The prize for best teamwork went to Warwick Academy, while Sandys Middle School won best team spirit.