Bermuda Competes At FIRST Global Robotics
The Bermuda National Robotics Team has returned home following “an inspiring and high-performing run at the prestigious FIRST Global Robotics Competition.”
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Robotics Team has returned home following an inspiring and high-performing run at the prestigious FIRST Global Robotics Competition, where students from 181 countries gathered to compete in engineering, innovation, and global collaboration.
“The Bermudian delegation arrived at the competition with a fully functioning robot and finished with one of the island’s highest rankings to date, a milestone celebrated by the students, coaches, and supporters.”
“One team member said, ‘the highlight of the competition was arriving with a fully working robot and seeing our end ranking placed so high.’
“Another student added, ‘meeting new people and working with students from all around the world was the best part. We built friendships and learned from so many cultures.’
“Team Bermuda competed in 12 matches and achieved a ranking score of 60.18 placing them at 39th overall in the standings. One of the standout moments of the tournament came during the team’s match as part of the alliance, where Bermuda partnered with Team China and Team Venezuela. Together, they scored 128 points, a record-breaking score at that moment in the competition, and one of the highest heat scores seen throughout the event.
“Team Bermuda delivered a steady, collaborative performance, posting consistent scores across their ranking matches contributing to both barrier removal and biodiversity placement objectives. The team executed the end game reliably, helping secure protection multipliers on the rope and showed clear improvement as the event progressed. Team Bermuda’s alliances included Mongolia, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Botswana, Argentina, and Israel, to name a few.
“This achievement showcased Bermuda’s technical skill, teamwork, and competitive spirit against some of the world’s strongest STEM nations.
“Team Captain Aleshka Urrutia Maurio, of The Berkeley Institute, led the delegation with maturity and confidence.”
She said, “The most stressful part was the human component, breaking down language barriers and having to direct not just my team but alliance teams as well.”
The spokesperson said, “Her experience highlights not only the technical challenges of global robotics, but the essential leadership, communication, and diplomacy skills gained on the world stage.
“The 2024–2025 travel team included:
- Captain: Aleshka Urrutia Maurio – The Berkeley Institute
- Vice Captain: Joy Yammin – Bermuda High School
- Team Members: Ava Simons, Ryan Williams, & Max Kempe – Warwick Academy
“These exceptional students, alongside the 10 additional students on the home team – Aiden Herrick, Amouri Hollis, Axel Cardell-Naranjo, Finlay Currie, King Hunt, Max Pothumus, Nadia DeSousa, Ryan Mclean, Sage DeSousa, and Zahari Burgess – trained since May in collaboration, coding, engineering, and strategy, proudly representing Bermuda and earning respect from fellow teams and tournament officials.
“The team was guided and supported by an exceptional group of mentors, including Zar’a Cardell, Angelika Wilson, Sloane Johnson, Jinhwa Rustand, Sanae Murata, Luis Correa, Coral Wells, and international mentor Steve Kimbel, who represented competition lead sponsor LAM Research.
“As Bermuda continues working toward recognition of robotics as an official sport, this year’s performance reinforces the island’s growing strength in global STEM competition.”
The team coaches said, “Our students proved once again that Bermuda belongs on the international robotics stage. Their skill, heart, and teamwork embody the future of Bermuda’s technology talent.”
The spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Robotics Team extends sincere thanks to its sponsors, Ark, CG Insurance, Connectech Coding, and Paradise Mobile, as well as mentors, families, and the Bermudian community for their continued support.
“Welcome to Bermuda National Robotics, the sport where everyone can go pro. For more information on how you can get involved or to support the program, please visit the website or follow the team on Instagram @teambermudafgc.”
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