- Josh Coenders and Nolan Cote, students at North Peace Secondary School, are pioneering robotic snowball warfare for the 2025 National Skills Competition.
- The competition involves a fusion of engineering and strategy with nearly 500 young Canadian talents participating across various trades and technology fields.
- Coenders and Cote have developed three distinct robots designed for snowball collection, launching, and fortification in battle.
- Their robots include an automated central titan, a high-speed hopper-fed flywheel launcher, and a block-stacking robot with a double reverse four-bar mechanism.
- Mentored by Brant Churchill, the duo highlights the importance of innovation, precision, and teamwork in their project.
- Their journey reflects a narrative of creativity, perseverance, and the spirit of innovation, inspiring future engineers and dreamers.
Amid the whispering pines and the quiet hum of innovation in Fort St. John, two young masterminds are transforming the art of snowball fights with a technological twist. Josh Coenders and Nolan Cote, both vibrant students from North Peace Secondary School, stand poised to represent Team BC in the illustrious 2025 National Skills Competition in Regina, Saskatchewan. Their mission? To bring robotic snowball warfare into the national spotlight.
This isn’t just child’s play with machines; it’s a high-stakes fusion of engineering and strategy, where nearly 500 of Canada’s brightest young minds converge across 60 distinct trades and technology fields. Within this arena of competition, Coenders and Cote have crafted a fleet of robots armed not with conventional weapons, but with the ingenuity to collect and launch a barrage of snowballs. Their mechanized creations must navigate and protect their own snow forts, skillfully engaging in a battle of wits and precision.
In the quiet halls of the Freedom Thinkers Education private school, their friendship was kindled, later reignited within the buzzing sphere of a robotics class. It was here that their shared passion for mechanical design blossomed, clinching them a gold medal at the 2025 Skills Canada BC provincial competition. The duo, fueled by ambition and creativity, now faces the greater challenge ahead.
Their arsenal includes three distinct robots, each a testament to their technical prowess and ingenuity. The first—a central automated titan—skillfully commands the middle ground of the snow-fight arena. Meanwhile, a hopper-fed flywheel launcher, the second robot conceived by Cote, promises to unleash snowball projectiles with a ferocious spin reaching 5,000 rpm. It’s a marvel of mechanical engineering, with a design that surprises and impresses even seasoned competitors and judges.
But their pièce de résistance could very well be the third entrant—a block-stacking robot undergoing rigorous upgrades. With a double reverse four-bar mechanism, it exemplifies innovation in compact mechanical design, small when stashed and towering when deployed. The improvements Coenders emphasizes are poised to reduce human error and elevate their precision game, a testimony to the relentless pursuit of excellence etched into their work ethic.
Behind the technical bravado stands Brant Churchill, their guiding teacher and advocate at North Peace Secondary School. Recognizing the dedication and professionalism Coenders and Cote bring to every challenge, Churchill appreciates their mature approach to innovation and teamwork. Under his mentorship, their journey to the national competition is not just about the accolades but about nurturing a culture of passion and discipline.
As they fine-tune their robots in anticipation of the national showdown, Coenders and Cote are not just building machines—they are crafting a narrative of creativity and perseverance. Their story exemplifies the spirit of innovation, where imagination meets execution and collaboration transforms into success. This national stage is not just an arena of competition but a beacon for future engineers and dreamers, illuminating the path of possibility and scientific spirit hidden within the snowy terrains of Fort St. John.
Revolutionizing Snowball Fights: How Two Students Bring Robotics Innovation to the National Stage
Introduction
In the quaint setting of Fort St. John, where nature’s tranquility meets technological ambitions, two young innovators are rewriting the rules of winter fun and engineering. Josh Coenders and Nolan Cote, high school students from North Peace Secondary School, are all set to represent Team BC in the 2025 National Skills Competition in Regina, Saskatchewan. Their mission transcends a mere pastime; they are introducing a robotic twist to the classic snowball fight.
How It Started: The Birth of a Passion
The journey began within the walls of Freedom Thinkers Education, a private school where the duo first bonded over robotics. This passion ignited in their school’s robotics class and was further cultivated under the guidance of their teacher, Brant Churchill. Their collaborative spirit led them to triumph at the 2025 Skills Canada BC Provincial Competition, securing a gold medal and a ticket to the national stage.
Technical Insights into Robotic Design
Coenders and Cote have designed three formidable robots, each reflecting their deep technical knowledge and innovative thinking:
1. The Central Automated Titan: This robot anchors the battlefield, adeptly commanding central space with strategic precision.
2. The Flywheel Launcher by Cote: Capable of spinning to 5,000 rpm, this robot delivers a rapid succession of snowballs, showcasing the peak of mechanical engineering.
3. The Block-Stacking Robot: Featuring a double reverse four-bar mechanism, this compact but impressive machine is undergoing upgrades to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Robots and Strategy: Future Implications
The designs go beyond mere competition—they’re an illustration of how robotic technology can be adapted for a variety of strategic applications, from entertainment to military training simulations. Such innovations pave the way for potential real-world uses, including disaster control systems and automated environmental monitoring.
Understanding the Competitive Edge
Their participation is not just limited to showcasing their prowess; it’s also an opportunity to inspire future generations of engineers. Competitions like these highlight key industry trends where robotics, AI, and machine learning converge, fostering a new wave of talent that will drive the tech industry forward.
Challenges & Overcoming Limitations
While the snowball-launching robots prove their mettle on one hand, challenges persist in areas such as durability and battery efficiency, especially in cold weather. However, these challenges also open avenues for further research and development in creating weather-resilient robotic systems.
Actionable Steps for Budding Robotic Enthusiasts
For those inspired by Coenders and Cote, here are some steps to kickstart your journey in robotics:
– Engage in Robotics Club Activities: Participation can greatly enhance problem-solving and teamwork skills.
– Explore Online Tutorials and Resources: Platforms like Coursera and edX offer beginner to advanced courses in robotics.
– Participate in Competitions: Gain hands-on experience and learn from peers and mentors in the field.
– Experiment and Innovate: Encourage creativity by building small projects or modifying existing toys and gadgets.
Conclusion
Coenders and Cote’s story is more than about winning competitions; it’s a testament to innovation, determination, and teamwork. By merging youthful creativity with advanced engineering, they light the path for budding engineers to pursue their dreams. Whether you’re an aspiring engineer or just a curious reader, their journey holds key insights into the potential and excitement that comes with transforming ideas into reality.
Related Resources
For more insights into engineering and technology competitions, visit: Skills/Compétences Canada.