15 Limerick schools take part in 11th Analog Devices Robotics Competition

15 Limerick schools take part in 11th Analog Devices Robotics Competition. Holly Boyce, Mya White, Shauna White, Annie White, Scoil Muire Broadford, who previously won the competition in 2019 & 2023

Young minds take centre stage at 11th Analog Devices Robotics Competition with 15 Limerick schools taking part as ADI celebrate 50th anniversary

After a morning of constructing and programming their robots, 105 fifth and sixth class students from across Clare, Cork, Limerick and Tipperary competed in a series of knock-out rounds where their robots were pitted against each other in a ring.

Each team collected points for teamwork, design, and innovation as well as creativity in the poster showcase.

Watched on by teachers, family and friends, Adam Maguire, Donnacha Mockler and Orla Brookes from Knockanean National School, Ennis, Co Clare were crowned overall winners, impressing judges with their innovation, teamwork and the performance of their robot in the arena. Holly Boyce, Mya White, Shauna White and Annie White from Scoil Muire Broadford, Limerick were runners-up.

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In the lead-up to the final, participating schools took part in an advanced hands-on robotics workshop, where students learned to design, build and programme their own robots. The initiative encourages teamwork, creativity and problem-solving, while developing skills in coding, design thinking and collaboration.

The Analog Devices Primary Schools Robotics Competition is designed to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among primary school students by giving them a practical introduction to engineering and technology. Now in its 11th year, the programme has grown significantly and continues to expand across the Mid-West, building on its long-standing presence in Limerick.

Announcing the winners, Fiona Treacy, Managing Director, Sustainable Automation at ADI, said, “This competition is about giving students a real, hands-on experience of STEM and showing them how engineering works in a fun environment. The students excelled this year, and it was clear to see the level of creativity, teamwork and problem-solving developed through the programme. These are valuable skills that will stand to students in the future, regardless of the career path they choose.”

The competition begins months in advance, with Analog Devices partnering with LearnIt to deliver complimentary robotics workshops to all registered primary schools. One team from each school was given the opportunity to progress to the regional semi-finals which were held in Limerick Racecourse across two days in March and then the final.

Since its inception, the programme has engaged nearly 10,000 primary school students, helping to spark early interest in STEM and inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

Students represented schools from across the region, including eight from Clare, fifteen from Limerick, six from Tipperary and three from Cork at the STEM-focused event.

Councillors of the Metropolitan District of Limerick presented a commemorative scroll to Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) to mark the company’s 50th anniversary in Limerick and thank the organisation for hosting the April Metropolitan District meeting at ADI’s Catalyst building in Raheen Business Park. 

The scroll acknowledges ADI’s long-standing contribution to the Midwest, with the text, “In recognition of their 50 years in Limerick and their significant contribution to employment, innovation and investment in the region.”

Cathaoirleach of the Limerick Metropolitan District, Cllr Daniel Butler, recognised ADI as a “cornerstone of employment, innovation and economic development in the region”. He said, “On behalf of the Metropolitan District Councillors, I would also like to sincerely thank ADI for hosting our April meeting. The opportunity to hold our meeting in such a modern, innovative space was greatly appreciated and reflects the strong relationship between the Council and key employers in our region.”

Brendan O’ Dowd, Managing Director of Precision Technology and Limerick Site Lead at ADI, said, “Celebrating 50 years in Limerick is a proud moment for ADI and for everyone who has been part of our journey here. What began as a small operation has grown to be one of our strategic centers globally and our European regional headquarters. This growth reflects the talent, commitment and support of our people and the wider community, contributing significantly to our global operations.

“We are honoured to receive this recognition from the Metropolitan District Councillors. The strong relationship between ADI and Limerick has been central to our journey over the past five decades, and we look forward to building that partnership into the future.”