Automation games for students

The ISA International Student Games include practical, hands-on exercises related to the field of automation and control.

By Plant Engineering Staff September 2, 2008

ISA Student Members worldwide will participate at this year’s ISA International Student Games, to be held in conjunction with ISA EXPO , Oct. 14-16, Houston.

Student teams are coming from Russia, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Colombia and the United States to compete and demonstrate their skills, and will have an opportunity to network and meet other students who share their passion for automation and engineering. The competition provides an opportunity for ISA Student Members worldwide to demonstrate and further their knowledge of automation and control technologies, along with enjoying the camaraderie and fun of the competition.

The Houston Games will cover two full days of both competition and networking as team members and their advisors launch their experience on Monday, Oct. 13, with Equipment Orientation. This is when teams hear from the providers of the problems and equipment for the Games. The opportunity to use equipment that is not in the local lab is a primary benefit of participation in the Games.

Attending the ISA Honors and Awards Gala on Monday evening is an impressive experience for the team members. In addition to witnessing the awards program, students form a procession carrying flags of the various countries where ISA has sections. Their presence clearly acknowledges ISA’s commitment to the development of future automation professionals, and that ISA Student Members are the emerging leaders of the society. On Oct. 14, reality sets in and the Games are played out.

The ISA International Student Games have developed into a signature program of practical, hands-on exercises related to the field of automation and control. Each team of four contestants has a set time period to solve each problem. The problem providers evaluate the performance of each team as it works their problem. Then, the evaluators combine their scores and identify the order of performance.

The competition is followed by an awards ceremony where medals are presented to the gold, silver and bronze medalists. All participants receive a certificate to commemorate the games and other mementos.

Following the Games, students will join YAPFEST , already underway. This is ISA’s premier networking event for Young Automation Professionals, ages 18-30. YAPFEST is a social gathering for young automation professionals and students who study engineering and other automation fields. The gathering offers free food and beverages; raffles for prizes, entertainment; scholarship information; and networking with potential employers.