Mauritius is once again set to make its mark on the global robotics stage as the Mauritius Robotics Team prepares to participate in the FIRST Global Challenge 2025, an event that brings together some of the brightest young minds from over 190 countries. This year’s challenge will be hosted in Panama, and the Mauritian team is determined to showcase both innovation and technical excellence on this prestigious platform.

At the heart of the team’s journey is Captain Navish Redini, whose leadership has already proven instrumental in guiding the team’s progress. Under his captainship, the group has been working with impressive speed and coordination, demonstrating a shared vision of delivering a high-performing robot capable of competing against the best in the world.

A Prestigious Global Event

The FIRST Global Challenge is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) where young innovators gather to tackle a game that changes annually. Each challenge is designed to inspire creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical mastery, all while addressing real-world global issues through robotics.

For Mauritius, participation in the event represents an opportunity not only to test its engineering skills but also to showcase the nation’s growing interest and investment in STEM education. Being part of a competition that involves teams from nearly every country offers unparalleled exposure, learning, and cultural exchange for the students.

Progress 11 Weeks into the Build

It is now the 11th week since the team began building their robot from scratch. The journey so far has been intense, involving designing, assembling, and testing individual components to ensure peak functionality.

Recently, the team received their brand-new Robotics Kit for 2025. The arrival of this kit has sparked fresh excitement among team members, as it allows them to integrate updated components, enhance performance, and complete the building of their new competition robot.

Currently, the team has completed batch programming for all separate components—such as motors, sensors, and control systems—meaning each element works independently as intended. However, they still need to perform the final integrated programming that will allow the entire robot to function as one cohesive unit.

This final programming step will be critical. It will synchronize all components, ensure smooth communication between subsystems, and prepare the robot to execute complex competition tasks without errors or delays.

Fast-Tracked Progress Under Strong Leadership

Since the start, Captain Navish Redini has been spearheading efforts with a clear roadmap in mind:

1. Assemble and test all components individually to guarantee quality.
2. Integrate and program the complete robot for full operational capability.
3. Begin rigorous testing under simulated match conditions.
4. Identify and correct defects before fine-tuning performance.

With the new kit in hand and the final programming step on the horizon, the team is on track to begin full-scale robot testing by next weekend.

From Testing to Fine-Tuning

Once integrated programming is complete, the team will move into the testing phase, where they will evaluate mobility, stability, task execution, and response speed under simulated match scenarios. This phase will help identify any functional flaws or programming bugs.

After troubleshooting, the fine-tuning stage will focus on maximizing the robot’s speed, precision, and reliability—vital qualities for achieving competitive success at the global level.

The Role of Teamwork and Mentorship

The Mauritius Robotics Team thrives on collaboration. Each member brings unique skills to the table, and their combined efforts are greater than the sum of their parts.

The team continues to benefit from the mentorship of Dr. Krishna Athal, Founder and Director of YUVA, whose strategic guidance extends beyond technical advice to fostering leadership, problem-solving, and a resilient mindset. His commitment to youth empowerment in STEM fields has been a cornerstone of the team’s growth.

A Spirit of Determination and National Pride

Representing Mauritius at the FIRST Global Challenge means carrying the hopes of the nation. The students work tirelessly—often beyond regular hours—to ensure they can deliver a robot that competes at the highest standard. Their determination is matched by their excitement, with many describing the project as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to test their skills against the world’s best.

The Road Ahead

The remaining weeks before Panama will be critical. The planned timeline includes:

• This week: Final integrated programming of the full robot.
• Next weekend: Begin complete robot testing.
• Following two weeks: Troubleshooting and resolving identified issues.
• Final month before competition: Fine-tuning, efficiency optimization, and mock match simulations.
• Final week: Logistics, packing, and final team-building activities.

Looking Beyond the Competition

While winning is a goal, the team sees their participation as part of a bigger journey. The skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities developed here will shape their future academic and professional paths. More importantly, their story will inspire other young Mauritians to pursue robotics and STEM opportunities.

Final Thoughts

The Mauritius Robotics Team’s 11-week journey from concept to near-complete robot—now boosted by the arrival of their new 2025 Robotics Kit—is a testament to discipline, innovation, and teamwork. With final programming in sight and testing set to begin soon, they are on course to deliver a robot that embodies the spirit of Mauritius—resilient, creative, and ready for the global stage.

When they arrive in Panama for the FIRST Global Challenge 2025, they will not only be competing for victory but also representing the boundless potential of young innovators from the island nation.