What Does It Take to Be a National Robotics Team Member?

by Karen Abrams, MBA, Doctoral Candidate
Each year, some of the brightest and most resilient young minds from around the globe gather to compete in the First Global Robotics Challenge (FGC). This prestigious competition brings together teams from more than 180 countries, all vying for innovation and technical excellence in the realm of robotics. The challenge represents not only an opportunity to showcase engineering and coding skills but also a stage for building international friendships and cooperation. The level of competition is fierce—students from developing nations are expected to face off against their peers from countries like the US, China, and the UK. But no matter where they come from, what really matters is the talent, creativity, and determination that each team brings to the table.

For Guyana’s National Robotics Team, the selection is about more than just good grades or technical prowess. This year, four of the six young people selected to the traveling team were members of STEM clubs, and this is no coincidence. The experience of being part of a STEM club cultivates the skills that are essential for thriving in the demanding environment of international robotics competitions.

It takes a special kind of scholar to be a part of Team Guyana Robotics. Yes, team members must be bright, but brilliance doesn’t always show up in traditional grades. While it’s true that some team members excel in Math, Engineering, and coding, technical knowledge alone is not enough to make the cut. What truly stands out among our young people is their positive attitude, their ability to work together, to solve conflicts with grace and understanding, and to think outside the box when faced with challenges.

Innovation is a key skill that is emphasized in STEM clubs, and it plays a crucial role in how team members tackle complex problems.  Our students must do more than wait for instructions, they are empowered to think, challenge, debate and then collaborate. Therefore, equally important are communication skills—our students must know how to express ideas clearly, share feedback, and collaborate seamlessly, not just with their own team but with their international counterparts as well.

In this process, there is no room for bullies or those who are unnecessarily critical or those who annoyingly tease others. Team members who tease or belittle others simply do not survive the selection process. The National Robotics Team is built on a foundation of respect, empathy, and encouragement.

Above all, the most critical trait for any member of the Guyana National Robotics Team is resilience. But what exactly is resilience? Resilience is the ability to bounce back after setbacks, to adapt in the face of adversity, and to keep pushing forward even when the odds seem insurmountable. This quality is crucial when competing at the First Global Robotics Challenge, where students face off against some of the most brilliant young minds in the world. No one cares if our country is still developing—when you’re competing against the best, you need the confidence and determination to meet every challenge head-on.

Competing at this level is intense, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. It’s not unusual for teams to lose a match or face technical difficulties. But how they respond is what truly matters. Students who struggle to deal with setbacks or who aren’t used to the ups and downs of competition often find it difficult to thrive in our environment. Resilience means shaking off a loss, learning from it, and coming back stronger in the next round.

Overseas competitions can be grueling. Travel often takes 24 hours or more, and students are required to jump straight into action after arriving. In addition to technical skills, team members must be healthy and strong—both physically and mentally. The ability to play tired is critical, as is maintaining a positive attitude throughout the journey. Robotics challenges are not just about building robots; they are also about building relationships. Our students are expected to meet and socialize with peers from other countries, sharing ideas and fostering international friendships.

Being a member of Team Guyana comes with great responsibility. Our team believes in the importance of competition, but also in the spirit of cooperation. Competing with teams from around the world is a chance to learn, grow, and showcase not just our technical skills but also our values of teamwork, resilience, and kindness. It takes a special kind of young scholar to meet these expectations, and we are incredibly proud of the students who rise to the challenge each year.

Are You Ready to Join us?

Starting in January 2025, we will launch our First Global Robotics Challenge Prep Course This program will equip potential team members with everything they need to know to build a world-class robot and represent Guyana on the international stage. We will be looking for amazing young people who possess the skills and qualities we value; innovation, resilience, cooperation, and leadership.

Do you meet the criteria? Do you have what it takes to be part of Team Guyana 2026? If so, we invite you to join us and be a part of something truly special. The future of robotics in Guyana is bright, and with the right team, there are no limits to what we can achieve.