The RobUL team returned from Denver, USA, where it participated in the prestigious FIRST Robotics Competition – specifically the FIRST Colorado 2025 regional round, which took place from March 19 to 22 at Magness Arena at the University of Denver. It took 49th place among strong international competition.
Participating in the competition was an invaluable learning experience for the entire team. After months of intensive preparation – from robot design to construction to programming – high school students from the Ústí nad Labem region set out to compete with top world teams for the first time in an environment where emphasis is placed not only on technical excellence, but also on team spirit, communication skills and quick problem-solving.
"Although RobUL did not make it to the playoffs this year, every game at the competition was an opportunity to learn, grow, and explore new approaches and technologies. The students gained valuable experience that goes beyond the scope of regular education – they learned to collaborate under pressure, present their ideas, and adapt to rapidly changing conditions. These are exactly the skills that will play a crucial role in their further studies and future careers.", says Tamara Klein from the Innovation Center of the Ústí nad Labem Region, guarantor of the Robotým activity for international competitions.
It’s not just about the results. The competition gave the team an insight into the world of the international science and technology community, meeting inspiring peers from different continents and making connections that could lead to future collaborations. RobUL has become part of a global community of innovators – and that in itself is a huge success. Over 90,000 students from 30 countries around the world participate in the competition. However, there is no regional round of the competition in Europe, so European teams also participate in regional rounds in the USA.
The RobUL team is supported by the Faculty of Science at UJEP and collaborates with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at UJEP, the Innovation Center of the Ústí nad Labem Region, several high schools, and practitioners. This collaboration shows how the connection between academia and high school education can lead to the development of top-level competencies in young people.
The experience from Denver will resonate for a long time not only in the team, but also in the region. It is proof that projects with international reach can also come from the Ústí nad Labem region. And that is the best reason to continue.
Other regional partners of the RobUL team are: Martin Vohánka, founder of the BLIŽKSOBĚ Foundation, Municipal Cultural Facilities in Litoměřice, HENNLICH, Malfini and NYYLO.
The RobUL project is funded by the Region to University project, university of the region, registration number CZ.10.02.01/00/22_002/0000210.
You can read more about the RobUL team's preparations and journey to the First Robotics Competition on the website: robul.cz or on FB/ IG.
