Dublin Middle Schoolers Win Google Qualifier Innovate Award

DUBLIN, CA — A newly-formed middle school robotics team based in Dublin managed to win the Innovate Award at the Google Qualifier, place tenth in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) NorCal Regional Robotics Competition. Team X also ranked fourth at the Santa Clara Qualifier, and were runners-up for the Think and Inspire Awards at the Google Qualifier.

The team of four started in July 2023 with no experience. Three coaches and two mentors taught them the basics of electronics, mechanical design, CAD, and robotics, until they were able to create a robot they named Batboy, which was one of the runners up at the Google Qualifier Inspire Awards. Batboy eventually evolved into Batman, and despite setbacks, Batman won 10 out of Silicon Valley's top 48 teams.

“It was a humbling experience that taught us the value of perseverance, determination, and teamwork. As we reflected on our journey, we felt an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude for how far we had come,” the team wrote in their blog.

For a full account of all the team’s activities, visit ignitepathways.org. Anyone interested in joining the team can apply here.

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