A robot contest to introduce students to our steel world

Students and researchers discussing a common passion – that is what the Coupe des Ecoles is about. And we could see it on May 7, when our Global Research and Development team held the 2nd edition of this robot contest in Maizières, France. 40 students from France and Belgium took part to the competition.

Building a robot is basically like building an R&D prototype: it requires creativity, team spirit, engineering knowledge and timeliness. The challenge is to get a robot (or a prototype!) that works in due time.

For students, this contest is a rehearsal of the official European ‘Eurobot’ or of national competitions, or a confirmation of the project completion.

For ArcelorMittal, this event is the opportunity to present our group and help the students in their challenge: Before the contest, students received a 1-day training session on creativity and project management methodologies. On D-day the teams made a presentation of their robot project to a jury who assessed their work and provided them with guidance. Right after the competition, they had the opportunity to discuss with researchers and discover what’s behind steel research during a lab tour.

The Coupe des Ecoles also allows to maintain a link with students even in these difficult times. The 1st feedback received from the 2009 competitors is very positive. All of them are ready to come back for the next Coupe des Ecoles ArcelorMittal in 2010!

Collaboration: Sylvie Gindre and Sylvie Vernedal, R&D Communications (Picture: Eric Tonnon)