Naperville Robots Compete on Global Stage

Two Naperville-based robotics teams are currently competing at the FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas, a premier global event for young engineers. Huskie Robotics, representing Naperville District 203, is participating in its fifth consecutive world championship. Local nonprofit Roaring Robotics, Team 2704, is making its first appearance at this elite level in over a decade.

Both teams compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition, an international program founded in 1989 to foster interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This year's game, REBUILT, required teams to design robots capable of collecting foam balls and climbing towers.

Roaring Robotics achieved a major milestone by winning the Impact Award at the City of Fountains Regional Competition in Kansas City, Missouri. This award recognizes teams for their engineering excellence and community impact, a feat they accomplished in their first year competing for it. They also secured enough points to qualify for the world championship.

Huskie Robotics also earned their spot at the championship by winning the Impact Award at the Midwest Regional in Arlington Heights. This award highlights their strong community outreach, which includes establishing LEGO building teams and working with local representatives to enhance STEM programs in Illinois schools.

As they enter the championship, Huskie Robotics aims to learn from top global teams, while Roaring Robotics celebrates their significant progress and teamwork after years of dedicated program development. Both teams represent a commitment to advancing STEM education and opportunities for students.