​An innovative remote-controlled tiller earned the top innovation prize at the National Robotics Challenge, where more than 280 robots competed in a variety of robotic events. Students Riley Hall and Cody Howell from North Union Middle School in Richwood, Ohio, designed and built the robotic tiller to help take the physical strain out of gardening. The tiller is lightweight, easy to operate and agile enough to work between rows and even between individual plants. Different from many of the other competitions that focus on a functional robot, the Honda Innovation Award recognizes teams that demonstrate a unique solution. Nominations for the award came from each of the 13 event categories at the National Robotics Challenge held April 17-18 in Marion, Ohio. “We told the judges that we didn’t want them to automatically nominate the winner in their category,” said Tad Douce, director of the robotic challenge events. “We really were looking for teams that are thinking out of the box, and this team went well beyond that with their project.” The North Union students entered their remote-controlled tiller in the Robot Construction event, where students select a task and then design, build and demonstrate their robotic solution. In recognition for their achievement, the team received $500 for their middle school and a trophy presented by Makoto Makino, president of Honda Engineering North America, based in Marysville, Ohio. The team also earned the Gold Award in their category. “All of the participants have shown a great deal of dedication and creativity,” Makino said. “That is why we are so pleased to be involved with the Robotics Challenge, because these activities promote innovative thinking that has a positive impact on the products and technology of tomorrow.” The National Robotics Challenge has been encouraging students to stretch their creativity and resourcefulness since 1986 with design challenges and exciting robotic battles. More than 50 teams from eight states participated in the 2009 events for students in elementary school through upper university levels of competition. “The focus of these events is on creating excitement for students in the field of engineering,” Douce said. “It is great to see teams come back each year to increase their robotic capabilities.” For more information on the National Robotics Challenge, please visit us online at www.nationalroboticschallenge.org.