YOUNG scientists are being encouraged to build robots that look or behave like a human at a major science and technology event set to be held next week.

The National Robotics Olympiad (NRO) is an annual innovative event to inspire students to excel in science, technology and education. It is being hosted by AMA International School (AMAISB) and will be held at the Education Ministry, Isa Town, on May 15 and 16.

It is being conducted under the auspices of World Robotics Committee comprising representatives from various countries and aims to bring together youngsters from all over the world to develop their creativity and problem solving skills through challenging and educational robotics competitions.

The first NRO was organised by the school in partnership with the ministry and learning specialist Edutech last October to select a winning team to participate in World Robotics Olympiad 2012 in Abu Dhabi. It was the first-ever robotics competition for schools in Bahrain.

More than 20 private and government schools participated in the event, and AMAISB was awarded several prizes.

AMAISB elementary students were also ranked second among 200 participants in the elementary category at the World Robotics Olympiad-Arabia held in Abu Dhabi.

Government and private schools are invited to enter a team of three students from each section to participate in the competition.

Participating teams must create, design and build a robot model that looks or behaves like a human athlete.

For more details visit www.wroboto.org or www.wro2012.org/challenges.html and for registration contact AMAISB on 17598444 or 17590884.