VEX and SeaPerch Robotics

What is VEX?

VEX Robotics

VEX Robotics is a competitive STEM program that challenges students to design, build, and program robots to perform specified tasks within a structured game environment. Teams collaborate to engineer solutions using the VEX hardware and software platform, applying principles of mechanical design, programming, and strategic planning. Competition tiers range from local events to world championships, fostering technical skill development, teamwork, and problem-solving in a highly engaging and iterative setting.

What is SeaPerch?

SeaPerch Robotics focuses on underwater robotics education, where students build and operate remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) constructed from easily accessible materials. The program emphasizes fundamental concepts in buoyancy, propulsion, electrical systems, and hydrodynamics while promoting hands-on learning and safety. Through regional and national challenges, SeaPerch encourages innovation and practical engineering skills as students test their ROVs in aquatic environments and solve mission-based tasks.

What do robotics kids do?

VEX Robotics

In VEX Robotics, I served as both Mechanic Lead and Team Strategist, overseeing robot construction, mechanical optimization, and match strategy. Our team adopted an aggressive, performance-driven competition style that led us to win the Tournament Champion award at the Virginia Tech qualifying competition, advancing to the state championship sponsored by Micron and Google. While we did not win the overall state title, one of our most defining moments was defeating the number one ranked team in the state, a program that later placed among the top 30 teams globally, demonstrating our technical execution and strategic depth at the highest level of competition.

SeaPerch Robotics

In SeaPerch Robotics, our team focused on underwater vehicle stability, propulsion, and control by leveraging simulation software and specialized aquatic materials to design a reliable and competition-ready ROV. Although COVID-related disruptions prevented interschool competition, our engineering efforts were recognized through a top-five finish in the Skills Challenges, which evaluated precision tasks such as maneuvering through hoops and controlled navigation. The experience emphasized disciplined design, testing, and systems thinking within a constrained and technically demanding environment.