The excitement is building as our robotics team gears up for this year’s FIRST Global international competition in Panama. Last week, we hosted our annual parent meeting, a key event that brings together students, parents, and mentors to celebrate progress, share insights, and plan for the upcoming challenge. This year, the meeting was particularly engaging, with the presence of Mr. Devesh Takoor and Dr. Krishna Athal, who shared their experiences and advice on navigating the competition and maximizing learning from annual robotics events.

Collaborating with Parents and Students

One of the highlights of the meeting was witnessing the collaboration between parents and students. Ideas flowed freely, creativity was encouraged, and everyone contributed to making the team pit visually striking and vibrant. Parents offered insights based on past experiences, while students brought fresh, innovative ideas, ensuring that the display will not only be functional but also showcase the team’s identity and culture.

This collaboration is more than just practical. It reflects a deeper philosophy of mentorship and community engagement, showing that robotics is not only about technical skills but also teamwork, leadership, and shared vision. Students are learning to incorporate constructive feedback, manage group dynamics, and balance aesthetics with functionality — skills that extend far beyond the competition floor.

Infusing Culture into the Competition

This year, the team is committed to bringing a piece of Mauritius to Panama. While the robot itself demonstrates advanced engineering and programming, the team pit will also reflect the rich cultural heritage of the island. Colours, symbols, and artistic elements are being thoughtfully integrated to highlight the team’s identity and celebrate local traditions.

By integrating culture into the competition, the students are reminded that robotics is not just a technical pursuit; it is also an opportunity for storytelling, creativity, and pride. This approach helps the team stand out in a highly competitive environment, where originality and presentation are valued alongside technical performance.

Robot Ready for Testing

The robotics team has been hard at work on the mechanical and programming aspects of the robot. The base design is complete, and the robot is now ready for rigorous testing. Students are running simulations, trial runs, and stress tests to ensure reliability under FIRST Global competition conditions. These sessions are crucial for identifying weak points, testing sensor calibration, and confirming that the robot can execute complex tasks smoothly.

Programming remains a key focus at this stage. Team members are fine-tuning code, adjusting algorithms, and troubleshooting potential errors. This iterative process helps build resilience, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail — all essential qualities for any aspiring engineer or programmer.

Learning Through Iteration

One of the core principles guiding the team’s preparation is iteration. Every test run provides data, insights, and learning opportunities. Mistakes are seen as stepping stones rather than setbacks, fostering a growth mindset among students. By systematically analysing each trial, the team identifies patterns, adapts strategies, and gradually improves both the robot’s performance and the overall competition experience.

Iteration also applies to the team pit. The creative display is being refined in parallel with the robot’s programming, ensuring that both the technical and aesthetic elements reach peak performance simultaneously. This dual focus underscores the holistic nature of robotics competitions, where engineering, creativity, and presentation are equally important.

Mentorship and Guidance

The presence of Mr. Devesh Takoor and Dr. Krishna Athal at the parent meeting offered invaluable guidance. Drawing from years of experience in robotics events, they shared strategies for time management, efficient task delegation, and maintaining motivation during high-pressure phases. Their advice helped the students set realistic goals, prioritise tasks, and develop confidence in both their technical skills and teamwork abilities.

Mentorship is a cornerstone of the team’s success. By learning from experienced mentors, students gain practical knowledge that complements their theoretical learning, allowing them to navigate challenges more effectively. This structured guidance also helps the team maintain focus and cohesion as the competition approaches.

Preparing for Panama

With testing and programming underway, the team is now entering a critical phase of preparation. Logistics for the competition, including travel arrangements, equipment transport, and pit setup, are being carefully coordinated. Students are also rehearsing presentations, practising technical demonstrations, and refining their communication skills to effectively showcase the robot and its capabilities.

The combination of technical readiness, cultural storytelling, and visual presentation ensures that the team will be well-prepared to compete on the international stage. Every detail, from robot mechanics to aesthetic touches in the pit, has been carefully considered to maximise impact and reflect the dedication and creativity of the students.

Building Skills Beyond Robotics

Participating in this competition provides more than just technical knowledge. Students are developing leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration skills that will benefit them in academics, careers, and personal growth. The process of working together, iterating designs, and presenting results builds confidence and resilience, preparing students for future challenges in any field.

Parents and mentors play a crucial role in reinforcing these skills. By providing encouragement, guidance, and constructive feedback, they help students cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement and lifelong learning. This supportive environment is essential for fostering innovation, creativity, and motivation.

A Team United by Passion and Purpose

The energy and enthusiasm within the team are palpable. Students are motivated not only by the thrill of competition but also by the opportunity to learn, create, and express their identity through robotics. The integration of culture, collaboration with parents, and mentorship from experienced professionals creates a rich environment where growth is multidimensional.

As the competition approaches, the robotics team continues to test, program, and refine both the robot and the team pit. Every challenge is met with determination, creativity, and teamwork, reflecting the core values that make this project more than just a contest — it is a journey of learning, innovation, and cultural pride.

Tereza Röslerová – Communications Officer