Youth Innovations to Better the World in Sustainability and the Future of Cities Recognized at FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award Ceremony Presented by Disney
Aldeatron Robotix of Spain awarded $20,000 for eco-friendly E-Wall project
MANCHESTER, N.H., June 29, 2020 – Students from around the world were recognized today for their exemplary societal solutions at the tenth annual FIRST® LEGO® League Global Innovation Award presented by Disney, which was held as a remote broadcast on FIRSTtv. Twenty FIRST LEGO League teams were honored for their innovative solutions during the remote broadcast that included:
- 20 Global Innovation Award teams representing 9 countries
- Presenter Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST
- Designing and Building: Behind-the-Scenes at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, hosted by Libby Kamen, FIRST alum and mentor, and Scott Trowbridge and Margaret Kerrison, Disney Imagineers
- Parents, students, coaches, sponsors, and leaders in innovation and technology
FIRST is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future, founded by inventor Dean Kamen in 1989. FIRST LEGO League teams from 29 countries submitted their solutions for the 2020 FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award. Submissions ranging from biometric hardhats and sustainable road sealants to inclusive communication tools in playgrounds and created spaces to reduce food deserts were reviewed by a remote panel of expert judges, who then selected a winning team and two runners-up after a series of remote interviews and presentations. The winning team received a cash award of $20,000, and both runners-up each received $5,000.
- WINNER – E-Wall by Aldeatron Robotix of the Canary Islands, Spain
E-Wall is a low cost, lightweight, eco-friendly building block made from recycled cardboard and Fountain grass, which is an invasive species in the Canary Islands. This solution, which can be manufactured locally, takes the place of conventional blocks and insulation, offering temperature regulation and noise reduction.
- RUNNER-UP – REST: Roof Evaluating Strain Tool by 8 To Automate of Dublin, Ohio, USA
- RUNNER-UP – Polar Play by QuickBots of Dayton, Ohio, USA
“Demonstrated by the incredible innovations on display today, FIRST LEGO League students have once again proven they have the determination and hope to improve the world around as well as the quality of life for others,” said Kim Wierman, Director, FIRST LEGO League. “Through their work, these kids are developing the skills and confidence which allow them to tackle real-world problems and create better futures for all of us. These young people are truly a force for change.”
Online viewers also voted on a Community Choice Award winner, which went to SESI BIOTECH
from Barra Bonita, Sao Paulo, Brazil for their invention ECOPAVI, a cold-applied ecological asphalt sealant.
Designing and Building: Behind-the-Scenes at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and live Q&A was hosted by FIRST alum and mentor Libby Kamen with Disney Imagineers Scott Trowbridge and Margaret Kerrison. Discussion included the creation of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and how the design, planning, teamwork, and processes used by FIRST LEGO League students are parallel to the design and process behind Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Live questions were answered from the FIRSTtv chat audience.
“It’s so inspiring to see these students from all over the world working together, developing creative solutions to tough problems, and helping to improve the lives of people and communities in meaningful ways,” said Elissa Margolis, senior vice president, Enterprise Social Responsibility, The Walt Disney Company. “Disney is so proud to support transformative youth programs, like FIRST LEGO League, because we want to encourage and do our part to develop the next generation of innovators, leaders and problem-solvers, and help them to create the futures they imagine.”
2019-2020 FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge
For the CITY SHAPERSM Challenge, FIRST LEGO League teams (students ages 9-16; ages vary by country) in more than 100 countries were tasked with identifying unique solutions in communities and reimagining how to make a city or town a better place for everyone, all while operating under the FIRST signature set of Core Values, emphasizing innovation, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. More than 320,000 children worldwide explored what’s possible when we work together to solve the challenges facing our communities.
The FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award is presented by Disney. FIRST LEGO League partners with Global Innovation Award sponsors to advance the common goal of fostering innovative problem-solvers. Partners in Innovation include Booz Allen Hamilton and LEGO Education. Global Innovation Collaborations include Collins Aerospace, John Deere, and Qualcomm® Incorporated and in cooperation with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Watch the previously-taped remote award show on FIRSTtv. Learn more about FIRST LEGO League and the Global Innovation Award.
About FIRST®
Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $80 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST® Tech Challenge for Grades 7-12; and FIRST® LEGO® League Discover, Explore, and Challenge for Grades K-8. Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community. To learn more about FIRST, go to www.firstinspires.org.