Key Facts
• July 27: Regional qualifier held in Okayama City with three teams.
• Jonouchi Secondary School team scored 67 out of 158 points to win.
• Team members: Yuki Kondo (16), Kazuki Shimoji (15), Haruto Ito (16).
• Competition: WRO Japan 2025, Expert Senior Division.
• Tasks included block placement and flag-raising via programmed robots.
• Team used high school math for efficient programming and real-time adjustments.
• Formed under Japan’s Ministry of Education’s DX High School initiative.
• National finals in Tokyo on August 23–24 include additional tasks and presentations.
• Goal: Top 3 finish to qualify for the international competition.
Summary
Jonouchi Secondary School’s robotics team triumphed in the WRO Japan 2025 regional qualifier held in Okayama City on July 27. Competing in the Expert Senior Division, the team of three students-Yuki Kondo, Kazuki Shimoji, and Haruto Ito-secured first place with 67 points out of 158. This marked their debut in a programming robot competition. The team utilized high school mathematics to optimize their robot’s programming and adapted to real-time challenges, such as dust affecting robot movements. Formed under the Ministry of Education’s DX High School initiative, the team now advances to the national finals in Tokyo on August 23–24. The finals will introduce new on-the-spot tasks and evaluate presentations on robot design and strategy. Team leader Kondo expressed determination to secure a top-three finish and qualify for the international stage. The team’s success highlights their collaborative preparation and innovative problem-solving skills.
