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There's an underwater robot battle happening in Long Beach
“Stinky” the Robot competes in an underwater robotics competition. The team of high school engineers at Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix, Arizona surprised everyone with their robot and their ingenuity.
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Courtesy of MacGillivary Freeman Films
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Students from around the world are in Long Beach for a battle of robotic proportions.
Long Beach City College is hosting the 16th annual MATE International Student Underwater Robotics competition on Saturday.
MATE stands for the Marine Advanced Technology Education Center. The center, which is based in Monterey, aims to interest students in ocean-related jobs.
The Port of Long Beach is this year's theme.
Jill Zande, who coordinates the competition, tells KPCC it's not merely fun and games. The contest has real-world applications for "how underwater technologies can be used to support and secure port and harbor operations now, and potentially how they could be used to keep our seaports safe and secure, and also streamline commerce in the future."
Sixty-five teams from 17 countries including Mexico, Scotland and Hong Kong are participating.
A team comprised of students from three Los Angeles area schools is participating in the event.
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