2024 Recap: A Year of Innovation and Triumph

Written By Alex Colin
RoboRumbles | Robolabs December Newsletter

12 Defining Moments: Robolabs in 2024

2024 was nothing short of extraordinary for Robolabs. From global competition stages to groundbreaking educational programs, and from inspiring partnerships to community-building events, each month brought its own story of innovation and achievement. This year-in-review captures the moments that defined our journey, showcasing the incredible talent, dedication, and spirit of our community. Let’s take a look back at the highlights that made 2024 unforgettable!

January: Voices Behind the Robots

We kicked off 2024 by celebrating the heart and soul of One World Showcase at UC Berkeley. Our short documentary, Behind the Robots, gave a behind-the-scenes look at the passion, creativity, and determination of our students who wowed audiences last November. This inspiring video spotlighted the voices of our young innovators, reminding us that robotics is about more than machines—it’s about the people behind them. What a way to start the year!

February: Taking Robolabs Around the World

February was all about going global! Robolabs teams spread their wings, competing in Colombia, Colorado, and Ohio, representing our community with pride and passion. From testing their skills on international stages to gaining invaluable experiences, our students showcased the best of what Robolabs stands for. It wasn’t just about the competitions—it was about the journey, the learning, and the connections made along the way.

March: Making Waves at the U.S. Create Open

March brought national recognition as Robolabs teams turned heads at the U.S. Create Open. Six of our powerhouse teams competed fiercely, with two earning division finalist positions—a testament to their innovation and teamwork. This national stage was not just a competition but a celebration of ingenuity, paving the way for an exciting summer ahead!

April: Robolabs at the World Stage

April was a month to remember as Robolabs took on the 2024 VEX Robotics World Championship! Two of our teams competed on the grandest stage of them all, with one earning the incredible honor of Division Finalist—a testament to their skill, creativity, and hard work. The excitement didn’t end there, as the VEX community eagerly welcomed the unveiling of the new game, VRC High Stakes, marking the start of a thrilling new season. Both teams came back inspired, energized, and ready for the next challenge!

May: Pushing the Boundaries of AI & Robotics

May was a grind-it-out kind of month, as Team 3303X dedicated themselves to pushing the limits of robotics innovation. It was a period of relentless focus and breakthroughs, with the development of our most advanced autonomous robots yet. From path-planning algorithms to multi-object detection and smart filtering, every detail came together to create two seamlessly integrated robots capable of operating entirely autonomously. It was a month that tested and showcased the true spirit of innovation and teamwork.

June: Triumph at the AI World Championship

June brought a well-deserved victory at the VEX AI World Championship in Houston, Texas. After months of hard work, Team 3303X won the prestigious Think Award, celebrating excellence in autonomous programming. Our robots performed complex tasks with precision and intelligence, standing out as the most advanced designs at the competition. Seeing all that dedication pay off on the world stage was nothing short of inspiring, proving once again that innovation and perseverance always prevail.

July: Elevating Learning at Robolabs Summer Academy

July marked a groundbreaking milestone for Robolabs with the Robolabs Summer Academy at UC Berkeley. Students from across the U.S. and as far as Argentina and China joined this immersive week-long experience, diving deep into AI and robotics innovation.


The curriculum was packed with value, from exploring neural networks, computer vision, and object detection with tools like Intel RealSense and YOLO, to hands-on CAD modeling sessions and workshops on path planning and hardware architecture within the VEX AI ecosystem. Students gained invaluable insights from top industry experts at Amazon, Tesla, and Google, making this program the most comprehensive and impactful offering Robolabs has ever delivered.


The week culminated in student projects and presentations, showcasing the talent and creativity of the next generation of tech leaders. It was a defining moment for our community and a glimpse into the future of robotics and AI education.

August: A Summer of STEM Excellence

August wrapped up an extraordinary summer with our Summer Camps—a cornerstone of Robolabs’ mission for over seven years. This year, we proudly expanded our reach, hosting camps in Dublin, Fremont, and San Jose, where we introduced countless young minds to the wonders of robotics and STEM. These programs continue to be a vital gateway for sparking curiosity and creativity, providing hands-on experiences that leave a lasting impact on our students and their futures. Year after year, our camps prove to be a meaningful contribution to the community, and 2024 was no exception!

September: Competition Season Kicks into Gear

September brought the excitement of the competition season in full swing, and Robolabs was right at the heart of it. We hosted our first regional tournament of the year, welcoming 33 teams from Fremont, Dublin, and beyond to showcase their talent and hard work. These events are more than just competitions—they’re invaluable learning experiences, teaching students teamwork, problem-solving, and the thrill of innovation.

October: Inspiring the Next Generation with AWS

October highlighted the power of collaboration as we partnered with AWS for an inspiring Bring Your Kid to Work Day workshop. Over 100 children experienced the magic of robotics through hands-on activities, sparking their imaginations and introducing them to the world of STEM. This event was a meaningful opportunity to connect with the community and plant the seeds of curiosity and innovation in the next generation.

November: Gearing Up for the State Championship

November brought exciting news as Robolabs was selected to host the 2025 VEX IQ State Championship at UC Berkeley! Scheduled for March 8-9, 2025, this event will bring together over 600 students, along with 400+ parents, coaches, and supporters, creating an inspiring showcase of STEM talent.


To amplify the impact of this event, we announced sponsorship opportunities for businesses looking to connect with the STEM community, gain high visibility, and make a meaningful contribution to innovation and education. This is not just an event; it’s a platform to empower the future of STEM and foster connections that will drive change.

December: Celebrating an Incredible Year

As the year came to a close, the Robolabs team gathered to reflect on the milestones we achieved and to celebrate the vibrant community that made it all possible. From groundbreaking educational programs to unforgettable moments on the competition stage, 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary.


We are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our students, families, and partners who inspire us every day. Here’s to celebrating the wins, big and small, and to preparing for an even more incredible year ahead. Thank you, Robolabs community—we can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store!

Happy Holidays from Robolabs!

RSA Application Open

Get ready for another unforgettable experience at the Robolabs Summer Academy, where robotics and AI collide!

This year, we’re taking it up a notch, integrating the latest R&D insights from our VEX AI Team into the program to refine the curriculum and offer students an even more immersive experience. Some of last year’s Summer Academy students are now thriving on the VEX AI team—proof of the impact and growth you can expect from this program.

Tournament Schedule: Mark Your Calendars!

We’ve got an exciting lineup of tournaments on the horizon! Make sure to check out the tournament schedule below to stay informed and plan accordingly.

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Alex Colin
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