Behind the Scenes at the Miami Valley FIRST Robotics Competition
- Tech Time Cincinnati
- Apr 8, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 14, 2025
Celebrating Butler Tech Team 144 at the FIRST Robotics Competition!
This past weekend, excitement filled the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati. It was the venue for the Miami Valley Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. Teams from across the United States and even an international team from China gathered to showcase their engineering skills. They came to compete in this year’s thrilling challenge, REEFSCAPE. The event attracted over 1,500 students and fans, all driven by their passion for STEM innovation.
Among the standout teams was Butler Tech’s Operation Orange #144. This Hall of Fame team has a proud legacy of excellence dating back to its rookie year in 1994. This year, Tech Time Cincinnati proudly sponsored Kylee, Team 144’s Safety Captain. Her contributions truly exemplify leadership, innovation, and dedication.
Miami Valley Regional Winners and Their Triumph
The Miami Valley Regional would conclude with an impressive victory for the alliance of Teams 4028 (Beak Squad), 340 (G.R.R.), and 432 (The Final Countdown). Their alliance secured the win with a remarkable score of 185 against their competitors' 142 in the final match. This victory earned them a coveted spot at the FIRST Championship in Houston. The championship event will take place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, from April 16-19, 2025.
This international gathering will feature the best teams from around the globe. They will showcase innovation and engineering excellence on a global stage. Among the highlights of the Miami Valley Regional was Butler Tech’s Team Operation Orange #144. Their Safety Captain, Kylee, played a pivotal role in her team’s success. Her leadership and dedication to fostering safety earned her team recognition with the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award. This prestigious honor celebrates outstanding mentorship and contributions to FIRST Robotics. As teams prepare for the championship in Houston, events like these continue to inspire students and communities. They demonstrate how STEM education can lead to transformative opportunities.
Stay tuned as Tech Time Cincinnati works toward empowering more students through programs like NextGen AI Robotics. This initiative aims to shape future leaders in STEM innovation!
Emphasizing Safety at the FIRST Robotics Competition
Safety is a core value at the FIRST Robotics Competition. Teams like Butler Tech’s Operation Orange #144 prioritize safety to ensure a successful and injury-free experience. Safety Captain Kylee developed a detailed safety board checklist. This checklist helped keep her teammates organized and protected throughout the competition.
Her commitment to fostering a culture of safety was key in maintaining smooth operations in the pit area. In addition to her safety leadership, Kylee gave Tech Time Cincinnati an exclusive tour of Team 144’s pit. She introduced us to their robot, explaining its intricate parts and design features. The robot was engineered to tackle this year’s challenge of strengthening ocean habitats.
Visitors to the pits were reminded of safety protocols. They were required to wear safety glasses to protect themselves from potential hazards. This practice underscores the commitment to safety that FIRST instills in all participants. By cultivating a culture of safety, teams not only protect themselves but also set a positive example for future generations of engineers and innovators.
FIRST Robotics Competition Team Safety Manual includes comprehensive guidelines for maintaining a safe environment. This includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety glasses, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. These measures guarantee that participants and spectators alike can enjoy the excitement of robotics competitions while minimizing risks. As Tech Time Cincinnati continues to emphasize safety, we empower students to explore STEM fields with confidence and responsibility.
A Commitment to Community Impact
Robotics programs like NextGen AI Robotics offer much more than educational initiatives—they are transformative experiences. They ignite curiosity and open doors to future careers in STEM. The impact of hands-on robotics education is clear in programs like the FIRST Robotics Competition. Here, students learn to design, build, and program robots. They also develop critical skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
Take Kylee, Safety Captain of Butler Tech’s Team Operation Orange #144, as a prime example. Her role at the recent FIRST Robotics Competition showcased her leadership and safety commitment. It also highlighted the real-world applications of engineering principles. Kylee’s journey through robotics has inspired her to pursue a career in bioengineering. She has already been accepted into the prestigious program at North Carolina A&T State University. Stories like Kylee’s show how exposure to robotics sparks lifelong passions for STEM. They set students on paths toward rewarding careers.
STEM Opportunity Gap for Underserved Youth
At Tech Time Cincinnati, we believe that every student deserves the chance to explore their potential in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Our NextGen AI Robotics program specifically targets underserved youth. We focus on students from communities and schools lacking access to hands-on STEM education. By providing programs like NextGen AI Robotics to underserved youth, Tech Time Cincinnati aims to bridge the gap.
Through engaging workshops and mentorship, we empower the next generation of innovators. These students will shape the future of technology and engineering. We actively support students from low-income schools in need of hands-on STEM education.
Why NextGen AI Robotics Matters
Many students in underserved communities face significant barriers when accessing quality STEM programs. Studies show they miss out on thousands of enrichment hours compared to peers in wealthier areas. This lack of exposure can deter them from pursuing STEM careers. As a result, we lose talent and creativity that could shape the future. NextGen AI Robotics aims to change this dynamic.
Our program is designed to spark curiosity and inspire innovation. We introduce students to the exciting world of robotics and engineering through engaging workshops. Participants learn how to design, build, and program robots while gaining real-world skills. These experiences are both enjoyable and empowering.
Making STEM Accessible for All
Tech Time Cincinnati Foundation believes that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Therefore, we are committed to offering NextGen AI Robotics at low or no cost. We specifically target schools and communities that need it most. By removing financial barriers, we aim to make STEM education accessible to all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
Our workshops focus on hands-on learning experiences. These experiences introduce students to the real-world applications of science and engineering. Each activity is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for innovation—from problem-solving challenges to teamwork exercises.
How You Can Help Shape the Future
With your support, we can expand NextGen AI Robotics to more schools and communities that need it. Donations help provide resources, such as equipment, mentorships, and funding for workshops. These elements are crucial for creating impactful STEM experiences. By contributing, you'll invest in the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem solvers. Starting with the students who need it most, we can close the STEM opportunity gap.
Help us inspire the future of robotics education. Support a student today and join us in making a difference!
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