Robotics

VEX V5 National Championships 2024: A Celebration of Robotics Excellence

The VEX V5 National Championships brought together 37 teams from across Australia, including Perth, Adelaide, and Melbourne, to compete in one of the most prestigious robotics tournaments of the year. Among the fierce competitors were five dedicated teams from Pymble, ready to showcase their skills and hard work after months of preparation and experience gained from previous competitions.

The event spanned three days, with the first day dedicated to robot inspections and the remaining two days packed with intense competition. For Pymble’s teams, the challenge was not just in the matches but also in navigating an unfamiliar field of competitors. This unfamiliarity, however, quickly turned into an opportunity for collaboration and growth as students connected with peers, shared strategies, and exchanged experiences in robotics.

Pymble’s five teams performed exceptionally well, with all advancing to the playoffs:

65100R bobot teamed up with Barker College’s 4613M, reaching the semifinals!
65100B i’m a geese goose and 65100F Dunkin Donuts joined forces, making it to the quarterfinals.
65100N Nailed it partnered with Perth’s 79419Z Megatron, also reaching the quarterfinals.
65100S SHARK ATTACK! competed with 97230C Bent Axles, advancing to the Round of 16.

The competition wasn’t just about matches; it was about innovation and spirit. Team 65100B was honoured with the Create Award, recognizing their ingenuity and engineering excellence. Meanwhile, Team 65100F received the Energy Award, a testament to their infectious enthusiasm and passion for robotics.

These awards speak volumes about the heart of the competition: creativity and energy. The Create Award highlights the importance of pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box, a cornerstone of innovation in robotics. The Energy Award reflects the vibrant community spirit and determination that make events like these truly memorable.

The VEX V5 National Championships was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of teamwork, strategy, and friendship. Pymble’s teams exemplified these values, showing that while trophies and awards are wonderful, the real victory lies in learning, growing, and connecting with others in the robotics community. Scroll to the end of the Robotics notices for a series of photos from the Championships.

Pymble Robotics Teams Shine at the 2024 VEX IQ National Championships

The VEX IQ National Championships brought together 54 of the top robotics teams from across Australia, hailing from places like Yarramalong, the Gold Coast, Adelaide, and beyond. Representing Pymble, six teams made the journey to showcase their skills on the national stage.

The three-day event was intense, beginning with a day dedicated to inspections, followed by two full days of competition. With their experience from prior tournaments, our teams arrived ready and focused. They demonstrated remarkable preparation, confidently manoeuvring their robots and tackling challenges head-on.

However, the competition wasn’t just about robots; it was also about people. Our students faced a unique challenge—strategizing and collaborating with new allies they had never met before. For many Years 5 and 6 students, working with partners who were often older boys added a layer of difficulty. Despite initial nerves, our students quickly adapted, stepping out of their comfort zones to discuss strategies, make decisions, and forge effective partnerships. Some students embraced the challenge with ease, focusing entirely on matches, fine-tuning their robots, and impressing the judges during interviews.

A standout moment came when Team 6510V was awarded the prestigious Amaze Award. This recognition celebrates teams whose robots demonstrate consistently high performance, innovative design, and exceptional build quality. It seems fitting to say that Team 6510V didn’t just amaze—they were amazing!

Congratulations to all our Pymble teams for their incredible effort, determination, and sportsmanship at the Nationals. Their resilience, teamwork, and ability to rise to challenges, both technical and interpersonal, were truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see what they achieve next! Scroll to the end of the Robotics notices for a series of photos from the Championships.

Five Pymble Robotics teams at the 2024 FTC National Championships

The FTC National Championships brought together 42 teams from across Australia, including Queensland and South Australia, for an electrifying two days of robotics action. Among these competitors were five dedicated teams from Pymble, each prepared to showcase their skills and passion.

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the competition kicked off. Pymble’s teams, equipped with prior competition experience, were focused and ready to face the challenges ahead. For many, it was an exciting opportunity to meet new teams, exchange strategies, and bond over shared experiences in robotics.

The first day came with an unexpected twist—a relentless downpour that added a layer of complexity to the already intense event. Teams had to navigate the rain while ensuring their robots stayed safe and functional. Improvised solutions like jackets and plastic bags became essential gear, and though the rain initially caused some chaos, it quickly became just another part of the adventure.

Despite the weather, spirits remained high, and the competition pressed on. By the end of the second day, two Pymble teams had advanced to the playoffs; Team 23636, Pymble Pterojazama Party Sharks, and Team 18359, Pymble Lion Cubs. The teams joined forces in a spirited quarterfinal performance, demonstrating the teamwork, strategy, and resilience that had brought them this far.

Beyond the matches, the event was a celebration of innovation, camaraderie, and the love of robotics. From exchanging ideas with teams from across the nation, to strategizing together on the field, the Pymble teams embodied the spirit of collaboration and determination.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers, mentors, event organizers, and supporters who made the FTC National Championships possible. Your dedication and hard work ensured a memorable experience for every team and participant. Congratulations to all the teams that competed, and especially to our Pymble representatives for their outstanding efforts. Whether navigating the challenges of competition or the unexpected rain, they showed that resilience and teamwork always prevail. Scroll to the end of the Robotics notices for a series of photos from the Championships.

Robotics Teams Kick Off 2025 with International Competitions and Build Season

Our robotics girls enjoyed a well-earned break over the summer holidays, but they were back in action early in January!

The VEX team 65100D, Pymble Pups, represented Australia at the VEX Asia Open Signature event in China, competing against over 100 Middle School teams. Hannah Zhao (Year 8) was the sole team member able to attend, taking the robot to the competition and doing an incredible job playing matches and strategising. Pymble Pups was awarded the Inspire Award, recognising their passion for the competition and positivity at the event. Congratulations, team!

Meanwhile, on Sunday 5 January, Years 9 to 11 students returned for the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) build season, with the release of the 2025 game, Reefscape. This year, Pymble Pride will proudly bring two robots to the Southern Cross Regional, held from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 March at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre. Scroll to the end of the Robotics notices for a series of photos from the Championships.

Robot 6510 is being designed, strategised, and built by our experienced students, who face the challenge of balancing creativity with efficiency. With limited time, they must develop a robot that is not only strong and reliable but also capable of performing well in the game. To streamline the process and minimise material waste, they first create detailed designs using CAD (computer-aided design) before moving on to construction.
Meanwhile, Robot 6497 is being built by students new to the FRC team. As they embark on their first season, they are learning essential skills, from using power tools like drills, saws, and files to mastering teamwork, task management, and strategic decision-making. This hands-on experience lays the foundation for their future in robotics.

Following the Southern Cross Regional, Robot 6510 will also compete internationally at the Colorado Regional in Denver, USA, from Wednesday 19 to Friday 22 March.

We look forward to an exciting season ahead—good luck to all our teams!

VEX V5 2024 National Championships Photos