Behind the Scenes at the Miami Valley FIRST Robotics Competition
- Tech Time Cincinnati
- Apr 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 11
Celebrating Butler Tech Team 144!
This past weekend, the Cintas Center at Xavier University in Cincinnati buzzed with excitement as it hosted the Miami Valley Regional FIRST Robotics Competition. Teams from across the states and even China’s international team gathered to showcase their engineering prowess and compete in this year’s challenge, REEFSCAPE. The event drew over 1,500 students and fans, all united by their passion for STEM innovation. Among the standout teams was Butler Tech’s Operation Orange #144, a Hall of Fame team with a legacy of excellence since its rookie year in 1994. This year, Tech Time Cincinnati proudly sponsored Kylee, Team 144’s Safety Captain, whose contributions exemplify leadership, innovation, and dedication.
Miami Valley Regional Winners
The Miami Valley Regional of the FIRST Robotics Competition concluded 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 score of 185 against their competitors' 142 in the final match, earning them a 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 top teams from around the world, showcasing innovation and engineering excellence on a global stage. Among the highlights of the Miami Valley Regional was Butler Tech’s Team Operation Orange144, whose Safety Captain Kylee played a pivotal role in ensuring her team’s success. Kylee’s leadership and her dedication to fostering safety earned her team recognition with the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award, a prestigious honor celebrating outstanding mentorship and contributions to FIRST Robotics. As teams prepare for the championship in Houston, events like these continue to inspire students and communities by demonstrating 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, aiming to create future leaders in STEM innovation!
Emphasizing Safety at the FIRST Robotics Competition
Safety is a core value at the FIRST Robotics Competition, where teams like Butler Tech’s Operation Orange #144 prioritize it to ensure a successful and injury-free experience. Safety Captain Kylee created a detailed safety board checklist that kept her teammates organized and protected throughout the competition. Her commitment to fostering a culture of safety was instrumental 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 that tackled this year’s challenge of strengthening ocean habitats. Visitors to the pits were also reminded of safety protocols, as 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 fostering a culture of safety, teams not only protect themselves but also set a positive example for future generations of engineers and innovators. The FIRST Robotics Competition Team Safety Manual outlines comprehensive guidelines for maintaining a safe environment, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety glasses, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. These measures ensure that participants and spectators alike can enjoy the excitement of robotics competitions while minimizing risks. As Tech Time Cincinnati aims to continue this emphasis on safety, empowering students to explore STEM fields with confidence and responsibility.
A Commitment to Community Impact
Robotics programs like NextGen AI Robotics are more than just educational initiatives—they’re transformative experiences that ignite curiosity and open doors to future careers in STEM. The impact of hands-on robotics education is evident in programs like the FIRST Robotics Competition, where students learn to design, build, and program robots while developing critical skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. Take Kylee, the Safety Captain of Butler Tech’s Team Operation Orange #144, as an example. Her role at the recent FIRST Robotics Competition not only showcased her leadership and commitment to safety but also highlighted the real-world applications of engineering principles. Kylee’s journey through robotics has inspired her to pursue a career in bio engineering, and she’s already been accepted into North Carolina A&T State University’s prestigious program. Stories like Kylee’s demonstrate how exposure to robotics can spark a lifelong passion for STEM and set students on paths toward rewarding careers.
STEM Opportunity Gap for Underserved Youth
At Tech Time Cincinnati, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to explore their potential in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Tech Times Cincinnati’s NextGen AI Robotics program is designed specifically for underserved youth—focusing on students from communities and schools who often lack access to hands-on STEM education. By offering programs like NextGen AI Robotics to underserved youth, Tech Time Cincinnati aims to provide similar opportunities to students who might not otherwise have access to hands-on STEM education. Through engaging workshops and mentorship, we’re empowering the next generation of innovators—students who will go on to shape the future of technology and engineering. dents from low-income schools who often lack access to hands-on STEM education.
Why NextGen AI Robotics Matters
Many students in underserved communities face significant barriers to accessing quality STEM programs. Studies show that these students miss out on thousands of enrichment hours compared to their peers in more affluent areas. This lack of exposure can deter them from pursuing STEM careers, resulting in a loss of talent and creativity that could shape the future. NextGen AI Robotics is here to change that. Our program is designed to spark curiosity and inspire innovation by introducing students to the exciting world of robotics and engineering. Through fun, hands-on workshops, participants will learn how to design, build, and program robots—gaining real-world skills that are engaging and empowering.
Making STEM Accessible
Tech Time Cincinnati Foundation believes that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. That’s why we’re committed to offering NextGen AI Robotics at low or no cost to schools and communities that need it most. By removing financial barriers, we aim to make STEM education accessible to all students, regardless of their background. Our workshops focus on practical learning experiences that introduce students to the real-world applications of science and engineering. From problem-solving challenges to teamwork exercises, every activity is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for innovation.
How You Can Help
With your support, we can bring NextGen AI Robotics to more schools and communities that need it most. Donations help us provide resources like equipment, mentorships, and funding for workshops—all crucial elements of creating impactful STEM experiences. By contributing, you’ll be investing in the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers—starting with the kids who need it most. Together, we can close the STEM opportunity gap and empower underserved youth with the tools they need to succeed.
Help us inspire the future of robotics education. Support a student today and join us in making a difference!
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