Countdown to FIRST Global 2025: High-Performance Robot

Excitement is building as our robotics team gears up for The 2025 FIRST Global Challenge, taking place from 29 October to 1 November 2025 in Panama City, Panama. Students from over 190 countries will converge in this global hub to tackle critical challenges through STEM, promoting a healthier planet. For our team, the countdown to competition has been marked by intense preparation, fine-tuning the robot, and advancing programming work under the guidance of their student mentor, Sohail.

Mechanical Build: The Robot is Ready

One of the major milestones achieved by the team is that the robot is now mechanically complete. After weeks of assembling components, testing functions, and making adjustments, the physical build has reached a stage where all major systems are in place.

During the previous session, the team focused on making final adjustments. This involved disassembling parts that required proper reconstruction and improving sections that were not fully aligned or stable. Such refinements ensure that the robot is not only functional but also resilient and reliable for the intense environment of international competition.

The hands-on work of disassembly and rebuilding highlights the team’s commitment to excellence. Every adjustment, no matter how small, contributes to a stronger and better-performing robot, giving the team confidence as they approach FIRST Global.

Programming: Bringing the Robot to Life

While the mechanical build is complete, the programming side of the project is still in progress. The team’s programmer is working methodically, writing code for each part of the robot that needs programming. This includes motor functions, sensor integrations, and other automated tasks essential for the robot to operate smoothly during challenges.

The programming work is advancing steadily. Although complex, this stage is critical, as the robot’s intelligence and performance depend on well-structured, tested, and optimised code. The team understands that precision here is just as important as mechanical stability, and every line of code completed brings them closer to full functionality.

Team Spirit and Roles

Beyond the technical aspects, the robotics team is defined by its motivation, discipline, and perseverance. Even when faced with daily challenges, they continue to push forward with focus and determination.

Each member plays a vital role:

Hashmi and Maelys serve as assemblers, giving their best to ensure the build is strong and precise.
Shreya and Aashi take on programming, working together to find simple, efficient coding solutions.
Navish, the strategist and team leader, guides the group with thoughtful direction and leadership.
Sajida supports the team by helping wherever needed, fostering cooperation and morale.
Sohail, the team student mentor, provides guidance and expertise, ensuring that the students stay on track and continue improving through every stage.

The group shares a strong friendship and spirit of teamwork. Even with different tasks, they consistently support one another, which helps speed up progress and maintain high energy throughout their sessions.

FIRST Global 2025: A Global Stage

The 2025 FIRST Global Challenge in Panama City promises to be an inspiring and transformative experience. Located at the crossroads of oceans and continents, Panama is the perfect setting for students worldwide to collaborate and tackle global challenges.

FIRST Global believes that science and technology can be as exciting as any sport. By engaging students in robotics, coding, and STEM projects, the competition inspires the world’s youth to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Teams from over 190 countries will work together to address critical issues, demonstrating how innovation and teamwork can promote a healthier planet.

For our robotics team, participation in FIRST Global is both an honour and an opportunity. The event allows students to showcase their skills on a global platform, learn from peers across continents, and contribute to solutions for some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Previous Session Highlights

In the previous session, the team focused heavily on refining the robot. Key activities included:

Disassembling and rebuilding parts that required proper construction.
Improving the overall design to enhance stability and performance.
Continuing programming work to gradually bring all robot functions online.

These efforts reflect the team’s systematic approach: build, test, adjust, and refine. Such a method ensures that the robot is not only mechanically sound but also programmed to respond effectively to challenges it will encounter at FIRST Global.

Looking Ahead

With the mechanical build complete and programming advancing, the team is now in a critical phase of preparation. The next steps include:

Completing the remaining programming tasks and testing code for accuracy.
Conducting practice runs to simulate competition scenarios.
Fine-tuning adjustments to ensure all systems work seamlessly together.

As FIRST Global approaches, focus, collaboration, and attention to detail will be key. Each session brings the team closer to presenting a robot that is technically sound, strategically programmed, and ready for international competition.

Conclusion

The robotics team’s journey toward FIRST Global 2025 in Panama is a testament to hard work, teamwork, and dedication. With the robot mechanically ready, programming steadily progressing, and guidance from their mentor Sohail, the students are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

The combination of mechanical precision, coding skills, and collaborative problem-solving ensures that the team will arrive at Panama City confident and equipped to compete on a global stage. Each adjustment and each line of code is a step toward success—not just for the competition, but for the personal growth and STEM skills the team continues to develop along the way.