Local High School Teams Compete in FIRST Robotics State Championship

MACON, Ga. — Excitement, teamwork, and innovation are in the air as high school students from Bibb and Houston counties showcase their robotics talents at the FIRST Robotics State Competition. Over the next three days, the top 45 high school teams from across Georgia are converging at Mercer University’s Hawkins Arena, all vying for a coveted spot in the international competition.

Among the enthusiastic competitors are Bibb County’s “Built4Bibb” and Houston County’s “Flying Legion.” These teams have tirelessly built and programmed their robots—dubbed “Burt” and “Calypso”—in just six weeks, following the unveiling of the challenge back in January. This year’s game, aptly named Reefscape, promises to test their skills and creativity.

A Thrilling Experience

Rebecca Winters, a senior from Houston County, described the competition as exhilarating yet nerve-wracking. “It’s incredibly exciting, also a little stressful just because we are representing the team," she shared. "We are the people driving the robot. We are the face of the team. But at the same time, it’s so exciting. I love being on the field. I love being able to be in the action.”

The stakes are high, with both teams hoping to secure a place in the top 12 to advance further. Houston County’s team is not only aiming for competition success but also the prestigious State Impact Award, which recognizes teams that have made significant contributions to their communities.

Passion and Team Bonding

Witnessing their robots in action can be an intense experience for team members. Bibb County junior Abigail Edwards expressed the anxiety and thrill of competition, saying, “It’s very intense watching your robot compete and you’re sitting there hoping it doesn’t fall over, break but it’s also very gratifying when we win a match.”

For Bibb senior Henry Blankenship, the weekend has been all about collaboration and camaraderie. As the coach of the drive team, he remarked, “I’ve had a great time. A lot of synergy with these other teams we’re having makes this a better day than I could have ever asked for.”

The teams have also prioritized design aesthetics. Houston County’s Winters noted that the design of “Calypso,” created by team member Ali, stands out beautifully with LED lights that give the robot a striking visual appeal.

An Inclusive Robotics Community

Jamal Howard, a senior from Bibb, stressed that anyone can join the robotics movement, regardless of prior experience. “You would need some electrical and engineering skills to build the robot, but you actually need no experience. We train you on any tool you would need; all the wiring—we help you learn it,” he explained.

Despite being competitors on the field, the bond between the two Central Georgia teams is noteworthy. “They’re our sister team," said Houston County junior Rabun Perdue. "We really support each other and we want to make sure that we succeed. We share parts, we share anything and everything, and we love them.”

Looking Ahead

With hopes high for both robots, “Burt” and “Calypso,” teams are ready to compete fiercely, aiming to finish among the top 12 of this talented group. As the competition unfolds, the excitement and enthusiasm of these young innovators are palpable, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with inspiration and future possibilities.

The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.