First Step Robotics an initiative that promotes science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) to children between the ages of 8 and 17 in West Lothian.
Set up by Edoh Agbenokoudji, the club now has 14 young people enrolled and has recently participated in its first-ever VEX IQ Robotic regional competition, which was held in Edinburgh’s National Robotarium on the 30th January 2024.
The competition, which featured a total of 13 teams from 10 high schools and us, a community organisation, showcased innovation in the field of robotics. Outshining their competitors, First Step Robotics Team secured the prestigious Amaze Award, a recognition reserved for the most outstanding, well-rounded, and top-performing robot in the competition. The team’s success was further amplified by their exceptional presentation of an engineering notebook, solidifying their position as leaders in both technical excellence and documentation.
The journey for First Step Robotics Team began with the receipt of robotic kits just before Christmas 2023. In a remarkably short period, the team transformed these kits into awe-inspiring robots, showcasing their exceptional talent and commitment to excellence. The team’s portfolio presentation demonstrated not only technical ability but also a comprehensive understanding of the engineering process.
What sets First Step Robotics Team apart is not only their remarkable achievements but also the fact that they are relative newcomers to the competition. In a field where many teams boast years of experience, the success of the First Step Robotics Team highlights the incredible potential and talent of the younger generation.
The founder of the club, Edoh, previously set up a robotics club in London while working as a technologist at the London School of Economics, now continuing the passion to West Lothian.
Edoh said: “Getting young people engaged and interested in STEM is valuable and can lead people on some incredible career paths, especially during this period where Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are dominating. We’re very lucky to be able to bring that opportunity to West Lothian.
The club is now setting its sights on competing in the Scottish regional First Tech Challenge competition in March 2024, where if crowned Scotland winners, will have the opportunity to compete in England and the UK winner will go to the US and compete internationally. First Tech Challenge is been held in Scotland for the first time.
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