The fastest, most creative and last robot standing will reign victorious at a competition at the Oregon State Fair in August, and for the first time young participants who do not belong to 4-H can be in the winner's circle.

This year's Lego Robotics Challenges are open to youth ages 9 and up and will be in the 4-H Exhibit Building Aug. 24-26. They are one of nine projects in the Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) program of Oregon State University 4-H Youth Development. This nationwide effort teaches analytical, logical and critical thinking while engaging young people in fun activities. The goal is to cultivate a new crop of astronomers, biologists, physicists, engineers and other scientists.

"Sumo Bot" contestants build robots they hope will last longest in the ring; the "Fastest Bot" moves most quickly down a 20-foot track; and the "Art Bot" winner will create the most artistic project. There also will be a catapult and trebuchet competition, and students in grades 7-9 and 10-12 can bring their own technology project to demonstrate its abilities to a judge.

Registration for the Lego challenges may be made by contacting county OSU Extension offices or by contacting Mona Easley at 541-737-1327 or mona.easley@oregonstate.edu. Registration is allowed the day of the fair at the 4-H information desk in the 4-H Exhibit Building, but there is a limit to the number who may participate. Registration fee is $10. Robots can be created from Legos kits or miscellaneous parts.