Indonesian students dominated the annual World Robotic for Peace (WRP) held recently at University Technology Malaysia in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

During the two-day event initiated by the International Robotic Training and Competition (IRTC) on Feb. 1 to 2, students from Gresik, Tuban and Malang in East Java won gold and silver medals in six categories, namely Robot Sumo, Transporter, Soccer, Maze Solving, Battle Maze and Line Follower Analog.

Twelve-year-old Zikry Azizy Aljava from Islamic state high school Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs) 1 Malang, for instance, was awarded first place in the Transporter category and second place in the Soccer category.

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"Our toughest competitor was Malaysia; luckily I managed to beat them," Zikry told The Jakarta Post on March 4.

Zikry Azizy Aljava (far left) is seen during the winners announcement in the Transporter category. (Courtesy of IRTC/File)

IRTC founder and chairman Armin Irawan said the WRP, which was held for the 11th time, saw participation from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, India, Thailand, Singapore and Pakistan.

"The event's mission is to instill peace in these kids; that robots and technology are not tools for war. There are many things they have that are beneficial to us humans," said Armin.

The event will take place in Brunei Darussalam next year.

"Plans are in store to add categories to the competition, such as underwater robots," added Armin. (kes)