Robotics Team Sets Goals Ahead of Regional Competition

After competing in the FRC Oklahoma Regional in March, the team spent the last few weeks making improvements to both their strategy and robot design. To successfully complete the game, a robot must navigate a course along a pre-programmed path, collecting balls and shooting them into a goal within a set time limit. Using code, students program speed, turns, angles and positioning to maximize efficiency and scoring potential. During their final practice before the competition, team members made detailed adjustments to improve their robot’s speed, motion path and overall performance.

The team also made updates to the robot’s appearance, which is considered in judging for certain awards. Using resources at IDEA Space such as laser and vinyl cutters, students fabricated and added detailed pieces to a large image of their rabbit mascot on the body of the robot, along with their team number.

In addition to robot performance, the Kuhnights are aiming to earn a Team Attribute award, which recognizes community involvement and impact. Students designed and printed a pamphlet for judges describing more than 2,500 hours of community service and more than 70 volunteer roles filled by Barstow team members at FIRST events during the 2025-2026 school year. They also have an active social media presence that helps raise awareness of the FIRST program. The team has also taken on mentorship roles this year, supporting a new middle school robotics team and sharing a practice space, allowing younger students to learn and collaborate with their peers.