Combat Robotics

ɫ��Ƶ VEX U Team Claims Top Honors at the 2025 VEX AI Robotics Competition Championship

rnorris — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:01:14 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ VEX U Team Claims Top Honors at the 2025 VEX AI Robotics Competition Championship

Clubs and Organizations

rnorris Wed, 06/18/2025 - 13:01

At ɫ��Ƶ, robotics isn’t just a competition — it’s a proving ground for innovation. ɫ��Ƶ’s VEX U team, KUdos, showcased their abilities at the 2025 VEX AI Robotics Competition Championship in Houston, where they brought home the prestigious Excellence Award and the Energy Award.

VEX AI is a step beyond the standard VEX U world competition, challenging teams to design robots that compete entirely autonomously. This year, KUdos rose to the challenge, and then some, achieving an undefeated record in all qualification matches and earning the No. 1 ranking among collegiate teams.

The VEX AI awards come on the heels of a top showing at the VEX Worlds competition in May, where the team brought home the Innovate Award. The award recognizes teams whose engineering approach challenges convention and advances the game.

“We Built the Complete Package”

“Winning the Excellence Award is the culmination of everything we’ve worked toward,” said Nathan Nguyen ’26, mechanical engineering major and team captain. “It’s not just about building a robot; it’s about engineering, strategy, documentation, and collaboration, the complete package that defines a championship team.”

The Excellence Award stands as one of the highest honors in VEX AI competitions, recognizing overall excellence across both judged categories and on-field performance. Criteria include a fully developed engineering notebook, demonstration of independent inquiry, strong interviews, student-centered ethos, and consistently ranking in the top 40% in Qualification Matches, Robot Skills, and Autonomous Coding Skills Challenges. KUdos’ dedication to thorough documentation, innovative engineering, and teamwork earned them this coveted distinction.

A Team That Powers the Event

Beyond technical achievements, KUdos brought unmatched enthusiasm and energy to the competition, earning the Energy Award. This award recognizes teams that maintain a high level of excitement throughout the event, enriching the experience for everyone involved.

“Everywhere we went, people wanted to talk about our robots,” said Connor O’Keefe ’25, computer science major and strategy lead for the team. “It wasn’t just about us. It was about inspiring others and sharing the passion we have for robotics.”

Nguyen added, “Our team has always been about bringing energy and positivity, whether we’re answering questions from younger competitors or cheering on other teams. Winning the Energy Award was a reminder that robotics is as much about community as it is about competition.”

Redefining the Game

This season, KUdos made history with a groundbreaking design: “Rafiki” and “Simba”, two robots operating as one throughout an entire match. “That idea came up early in the season,” Nguyen said. “No one’s done it in any VEX high school, university, or AI competition before, and it changed the way we approached the game.”

Their “strategy dictates design” philosophy shaped every decision. “We don’t innovate just to stand out,” O’Keefe explained. “Every idea is a deliberate choice to support our game plan and make sure we lead the competition.”

Engineering Excellence and Emotional Milestones

KUdos’ season included Innovate Awards at every competition they entered, culminating in another at Worlds. “One of our mentors called 'Rafiki' and 'Simba’ the definition of world-level Innovate robots months in advance,” Nguyen said. “Seeing that prediction come true was unforgettable.”

This championship also marked O’Keefe’s final season with KUdos. “When we received the Innovate Award at VEX U Worlds, I saw Connor cry tears of joy,” Nguyen recalled. “We’ve built this team together over three years, late nights, big ideas, even arguments turned into breakthroughs. I’m going to miss him dearly.”

Powered by ɫ��Ƶ’s Co-Op Advantage

KUdos’ success is a testament to ɫ��Ƶ’s hands-on, experiential learning. “My Co-Op in program management taught me how to lead cross-disciplinary teams,” O’Keefe, who has Co-opped with MAHLE in Troy, MI, said. “That experience was invaluable in building a winning robotics team.”

Nguyen agreed. “ɫ��Ƶ’s Co-Op program lets me work back home in California while continuing to innovate and compete on campus,” he said. “It’s hands-on, paid experience that gives us an edge.” Nguyen ‘26, a Cypress, CA native, made the decision to complete his Co-op assignment closer to home at RadiaBeam in Santa Monica, CA.

Other members of the team leverage a variety of Co-op experiences. Katee Callicutt ‘27, a mechanical engineering major, found Co-op work in her hometown of Greenville, SC, at Magna Seating on its BMW account. A.J. Martinek ‘28, a computer science major from Berrien Springs, also found Co-op work with Magna, but in the New Mobility division in Troy, MI. Andrew Bolthouse ‘27, an engineering major from Hudsonville, MI, has completed Co-op rotations at Bissell Homecare. Adreiana Lippolis ‘28, a computer science major from Linden, MI, has spent time working at Ford Motor Company. Chris Schutter ‘28, a mechanical engineering student from Jenison, MI, works for Bradford White Corporation in Middleville, MI, while Cameron Smith ‘28, a mechanical engineering student from Grass Lake, MI, works at Eaton Corp. in Jackson, MI.

What’s Next?

As KUdos looks ahead, their mission is clear: raise the bar again. “Every year, our mantra is: how do we go further?” Nguyen said. “At ɫ��Ƶ, we’re not just building robots. We’re building a mindset that drives innovation and redefines what’s possible. With the momentum of our first-year success in VEX AI, we’re more driven than ever to push the boundaries of innovation and explore what’s truly possible through this competition.”

Built to Break the Mold: KUdos Wins Innovate Award at VEX Worlds

rnorris — Thu, 29 May 2025 14:30:50 +0000

Built to Break the Mold: KUdos Wins Innovate Award at VEX Worlds

Competition Teams

Combat Robotics

Robotics

Robotics Community Center

VEX

Undergraduate

rnorris Thu, 05/29/2025 - 10:30

Combining ingenuity, bold strategy, and cross-league collaboration, ɫ��Ƶ’s robotics team stands out on the global stage.

At ɫ��Ƶ, students don’t wait to build the future — they engineer it now. That mindset powered KUdos, ɫ��Ƶ’s VEX U robotics team, to win the Innovate Award at the 2025 VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas.

The award recognizes teams whose engineering approach challenges convention and advances the game. KUdos delivered on both.

“We came up with a strategy that had never been done before in VEX history,” said Andrew Bolthouse ’27, an engineering major with a specialization in mechatronics systems from Hudsonville, Michigan. “Our robots, Rafiki and Simba, connect at the start of the match and stay joined the entire time. That decision shaped everything.”

Instead of focusing on scoring rings, the team prioritized maximum elevation. The KUdos climbing system allowed Rafiki and Simba to scale anywhere on the field, even on top of other game elements, as long as they touched the ladder. That move gave KUdos a competitive edge that other teams couldn’t match.

“We really just focused on ways to win without caring what our opponents did and without scoring a ton of rings,” said Connor O’Keefe ‘25, the Strategy Lead for the team.

“We knew the points for a top-tier climb were so high that if we could pull it off consistently, we’d force other teams to adjust to us,” Bolthouse said. “And they did.”

What made the KUdos win even more impressive was the diversity of experience behind the build. The team includes alumni from VEX, FIRST Robotics, and Square One, combining distinct competition mindsets into a single, high-performing unit.

“It’s rare to see a team bring together students from three different robotics leagues and have them mesh so well,” said Kim Shumaker, Director of the Robotics Center & Robotics Outreach at ɫ��Ƶ. “That kind of collaboration is what sets KUdos apart. They’re not just building for competition — they’re building on each other’s strengths.”

Many KUdos team members come from out of state, drawn to ɫ��Ƶ by its robotics culture and its 50/50 rigorous academic and paid professional Co-op program. Connor O'Keefe ‘25, a computer science major, hails from Vancouver, WA. He spends his Co-op terms in Troy, MI, working at MAHLE. Nathan Nguyen ‘26, a mechanical engineering major from Cypress, CA, made the decision to complete his Co-op assignment closer to home at RadiaBeam in Santa Monica, CA. Katee Callicutt ‘27, a mechanical engineering major, found Co-op work in her hometown of Greenville, SC, at Magna Seating on its BMW account. Bolthouse credits his Co-op with helping him understand the value of documentation and version control.

“What I’ve learned on the job, I’ve brought back to the team,” Bolthouse said. “Every time we made a change to the robot, I took photos, tracked updates, and kept our process transparent. That discipline made us stronger.”

Throughout the season, the team met virtually while split between school and work terms and collaborated on CAD and documentation using tools like Onshape and Google Docs. The team’s engineering notebook — another competition component — was the product of real teamwork.

“We like to say: two sections, one team,” said Callicutt. “We can pass off what we’re doing with the robot and know confidently that our teammates on the other section are going to do what they need to do.”

“My proudest moment was when Bob Mimlitch, the co-founder of VEX Robotics, stopped by our booth,” Bolthouse added. “He took photos of our robot, asked questions, and told us how impressed he was with our approach. That made it all worth it.”

As KUdos looks ahead to future seasons, the vision is clear: keep pushing, keep climbing — and maybe one day, take the world title.

“We’re proud of what we built,” Bolthouse said. “But we’re not done.”

ɫ��Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association Awards $30,000 in Sponsorships to High School Robotics Teams Across FIRST, VEX, and FTC

rnorris — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:39:27 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association Awards $30,000 in Sponsorships to High School Robotics Teams Across FIRST, VEX, and FTC

Alumni

ɫ��Ƶ Combat Robotics Team

rnorris Fri, 01/24/2025 - 11:39

The ɫ��Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association (KGMIAA) announced today it has awarded $30,000 in sponsorships to more than 60 Michigan high school robotics teams participating in FIRST, VEX, and FTC programs. The initiative reflects a core value that drives ɫ��Ƶ: equipping young problem solvers with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to shape the future.

The sponsorships provide resources for students to build robots, compete, and deepen their STEM experience. These students are following a hands-on path that mirrors the journeys of many ɫ��Ƶ and GMI alumni who began their careers with an early passion for STEM.

“We are incredibly proud to support these bright, motivated students who are exploring their interests in engineering and technology through hands-on experience,” said Joe Lemieux ’85, outgoing president of the KGMIAA. “Many of us — alumni of ɫ��Ƶ and GMI — can trace our own careers back to the formative experiences we had in high school and early college. These sponsorships not only provide the students with the resources to excel in their robotics competitions but also encourage their growth in STEM fields as they prepare for their future careers. These efforts also allow us to raise awareness of ɫ��Ƶ as a leading institution for STEM education and open the door for many students to consider us as the next step in their academic journey.”

KGMIAA’s sponsorships go beyond financial support. The Association also recognizes alumni who dedicate their time and expertise to mentor high school robotics teams, serving as coaches and advisors. This hands-on mentorship ensures students have guidance as they navigate competitions and plan their futures in STEM fields.

“We owe a great deal of thanks to our alumni who volunteer as coaches and mentor the next generation of robotics enthusiasts,” said Lorenzo Jones ’89, incoming president of the KGMIAA. “Their dedication to supporting their high school alma maters or their children’s teams is invaluable, and it’s inspiring to see how they continue to give back to their community. At the same time, these sponsorships introduce students to ɫ��Ƶ’s outstanding programs, creating opportunities for them to envision their future here with us.”

For ɫ��Ƶ and its alumni, this initiative underscores a commitment to investing in young innovators, providing them with experiences that build confidence, technical expertise, and a passion for tackling real-world challenges.

For a complete list of robotics teams that received a 2025 KGMIAA sponsorship, visit /robotics/kgmiaa-sponsorships.

About the ɫ��Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association
The ɫ��Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association (KGMIAA) unites alumni in support of ɫ��Ƶ’s mission to advance STEM education and innovation. With a focus on fostering lifelong loyalty, promoting core values, and providing financial support, the KGMIAA serves as a key resource for University leadership and alumni engagement. Membership is automatic for all graduates of ɫ��Ƶ/GMI, with no membership fees required. The KGMIAA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more at kettering.edu/alumni.

Combat Robotics

ɫ����Ƶ VEX U Team Claims Top Honors at the 2025 VEX AI Robotics Competition Championship

“We Built the Complete Package”

A Team That Powers the Event

Redefining the Game

Engineering Excellence and Emotional Milestones

Powered by ɫ����Ƶ’s Co-Op Advantage

What’s Next?

Built to Break the Mold: KUdos Wins Innovate Award at VEX Worlds

ɫ����Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association Awards $30,000 in Sponsorships to High School Robotics Teams Across FIRST, VEX, and FTC

ɫ��Ƶ VEX U Team Claims Top Honors at the 2025 VEX AI Robotics Competition Championship

Powered by ɫ��Ƶ’s Co-Op Advantage

ɫ��Ƶ/GMI Alumni Association Awards $30,000 in Sponsorships to High School Robotics Teams Across FIRST, VEX, and FTC