SGS Berkeley Green UTC 
SGS Pegasus School 
SGS Forest High School 21st June 2024
Ten year 12 students from Berkeley Robotics represented their school at the national championship competition of the First Tech Challenge UK and received an award for their unique robot design.
Berkeley Green UTC have won the Innovate Award at a national level, following their participation in the First Tech Challenge National Finals, hosted at Cambridge University Sports Centre on Friday 21st June 2024.
The award was presented in recognition of the team’s creative approach to overcoming challenges on the game field, and for their unique robot design.
“Their unique pixel gripper sprung them to success” – First Tech Challenge Judge
Student teams from across the country were involved in this challenge, which combines the process of designing, building, programming and competing robots, with a mentorship programme which develops technical and transferable skills.
This season, the challenge has been to create a robot with the capability of parking itself autonomously, collecting ‘pixels’ or game objects from around the playing field, stacking pixels on a back-board, firing a paper-aeroplane ‘drone’, and suspending from a central crossbar during the end-game 30 second period.
First UK’s aims for this programme are to promote the accessibility of STEM education and career pathways to students, while supporting teaching staff who volunteer as team leaders through regular online training meetings. As a charitable organisation, their bursary scheme provides a self-directed learning experience filled with educational content, reusable robotics kits, free events, industry engagement and accredited awards.
“Competing in the RTX More than Robots competition with my team was an incredibly rewarding experience. I enjoyed the professional atmosphere and seeing our robot, which we built together, in action. It has been one of the most motivating experiences of my life, allowing me to develop skills in engineering, teamwork, presentation, and management.
During the preparation period, I had the opportunity to take on various roles, including Data Officer, 3D Printing & CAD Technician, Drive Train and Manufacturing Engineer, Social Media Administrator, and Driver.
Our hard work paid off as we won the Think Award, the Alliance Finalist Award, and the Innovative Award. This competition not only showcased our technical abilities but also strengthened our collaborative spirit and dedication.” – Amaury, Berkeley Robotics Member and student at Berkeley Green UTC.
Berkeley Robotics obtained the sponsorship of Renishaw, RTX, North Tower Consulting, Oval Business Solutions, Bailey Paints, and the donations of several members of the public through their student-led GoFundMe campaign.
Berkeley Green UTC strongly urge schools everywhere to sign up for this programme, which enlivens the delivery of STEM education and truly does raise the aspirations of all young people involved.
