Hundreds of students from across Western Australia will compete at the WA Robotics Playoffs (WARP) competition this weekend.

Over the course of the two-day competition, students are tasked with solving challenges that reflect real-world agricultural industry problems through robotics and automation. 

In the lead-up to this year’s competition, Murdoch University has mentored high school students to ensure they are competition-ready.

This year, the innovation challenges include re-thinking AI for weed management, bird deterrence in vineyards, and seafood emission tracking. Students choose one of three challenges, with prizes awarded to winners for purchasing STEM equipment.  

As part of the First Robotics Competition (FRC), WARP is a collaboration between Murdoch University, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Curtin University and participating WA high schools. 

Recently, through Murdoch University’s STEM mentorship program, State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre Academic Dr David Berryman hosted 10 high school students and teachers from John Curtin College of the Arts.

Students interacted with a FarmBot automated robotic farming system based on 3D printing technology. Dr Berryman then helped the students build a second farm bot system, which he loaned to their Food Science and Engineering units.  

Dr Berryman is also mentoring students at Southern River College in modifying a robot with forklift capabilities, allowing it to move imitation hay bales autonomously. 

“These robotic systems allow students to learn food science, ag-tech, and engineering all within the context of real-world issues,” Dr Berryman said. 

There is an increasing demand for high-tech solutions within the agricultural industry. As such, the WARP competition presents an exciting opportunity for students to develop innovative ideas and hopefully inspire a career in the industry.

John Curtin student Ben Hopper is competing in WARP for the second time in 2025 and said he couldn’t be happier.

“Having been introduced to FRC and WARP by a teacher last year, it’s all I’ve lived and breathed,” he said. 

“Working on robots, learning engineering and collaborating with others. That’s the real strength of WARP and FRC. Yes, it’s a competition, but it’s also a community, where you help other teams to do the best that they can.

 “None of this would be possible without WARP, allowing any student to work in a team and collaborate with others all around WA.

 “WARP is an incredible gateway into engineering and project management; I can’t recommend it more highly. If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to join WARP as soon as I can.”

 WARP is held at Curtin Stadium on the 23rd and 24th of August, from 9am to 4pm on both days. 

 Entry is free, with fun family activities running from 10 am to 4 pm. 

 For more information on the event, visit the WA Robotics Playoffs website.

Want to explore a brighter future in engineering? Visit Murdoch University's School of Engineering and Energy.