Each team had to perform a different scenario of the inspection and rescue task than in the eliminations. There were no repeats or second chances, everything had to be done right, and the smallest mistake could, just like in real life, result in the failure of the entire mission and end the dream of winning the competition.
The team did not disappoint and, in the following competitions, maintained their position from the eliminations, taking third place.
- We knew it was going to be very tough in the final, the first two teams marked their advantage and showed how much work they had done over the last three years. At the same time, we felt the breath of the 4th team, which was right behind us after the eliminations, so we knew that the slightest mistake could cost us a lot - says Łukasz Kędzierski, the team leader.
The competition was on a very high technological level compared to the previous edition. We are very happy with such a good place of Raptors, who came to the competition in a much rejuvenated line-up.
- What was a barrier for us was the organizers' poor knowledge of English. On the first day of eliminations we lost practically all the test attempts and those already assessed, because we could not get clear information about the starting procedures. This was very frustrating for us, as the lost time also affected the following days, which translated into poorer results on the second day of the competition. After a firm reaction from our mentor, the organizers assigned us an interpreter. This made communication much easier and allowed us to fight on an equal footing with the other teams - says Ewelina Rosiak, a programmer in the team.
It was a very mentally and physically exhausting trip. The team spent the first two weeks in quarantine, simultaneously polishing algorithms for the competition. However, immediately after the competition, due to restrictions related to Covid-19, the Raptors had to pack up their equipment and were transported near the airport, from where they are returning to Poland 12.10.2021.