Tehran, Nov 1 Two machines resembling robotic vacuum cleaners sped around a ring colliding, shooting sparks and catching fire, as Iranian engineering students watched from behind plexiglass.
The dramatic clash was just one of many opportunities for competitors to go head-to-head at the country's Tech Olympics, to determine the future of its engineering talents.
Iran aspires to become a key regional player in emerging technologies, despite decades of international sanctions that have stifled its development.
The fields at this year's competition included robot battles, programming, artificial intelligence, as well as drones, cybersecurity and connected devices.
A few hours before his event, Alireza Hosseini put the final touches on combat robot Arash -- a rudimentary machine of wires and wheels without the appearance of a humanoid.
"What's more important than the design is the operator," the 21-year-old university student told AFP, referring to the person who remotely controls the robot.
"The design only represents a third of the work, but the operator decides how and where the robot attacks," said Hosseini, from Kerman in southern Iran.
Hosseini said his team of students in electrical engineering, electronics, computer science, mechanical engineering and design had been crowned Iran's robotics champion three times.
Launched last year at the government's initiative, the Tech Olympics serves as a talent pool for companies seeking potential recruits.
The coach of one team of under-18s appeared somewhat anxious before the start of the competition.
"Unfortunately, we started late, and the robot isn't quite ready yet," said Mr. Azizi, who did not give his first name.
