In a remarkable display of ingenuity, Paraguay’s UPSP1 robotics team clinched three prestigious awards and a top-fourth global ranking at the 2025 VEX Robotics Tournament in Dallas, Texas. With limited resources, the small university club from the Polytechnic and Technological University of Paraguay (UPTP) reached international recognition.
The VEX Robotics Tournament, a global platform for robotics innovation, challenges teams to design and operate robots using VEX technology. This includes sensors, motors, and controls tailored for various skill levels. From VEX 123 for young children (ages 4–11) with plastic components, to VEX U for university students with advanced aluminium elements. The technology fosters learning across all ages.
UPSP1 competed in the VEX U category, facing off against the world’s top university teams.
Clever strategy
The competition involved robots securing rings on movable stakes, with two stages: an autonomous phase guided by pre-programmed code, and a driver-controlled phase where team members operate two robots. UPSP1’s strategy was clever, pairing a small, agile robot to collect rings with a larger, robust one to defend stakes.
The team’s preparation was intense. The students simulated robot movements by acting as the robots themselves, testing each line of code and mechanical tweak. Resourcefulness defined their approach: with limited funding, they repurposed strings and small plastics to enhance their robots.
In a last-minute feat, they assembled one robot’s arm the day before the competition, using parts borrowed from another team. Every modification – mechanical, electronic, or programmed – underwent rigorous testing to ensure peak performance.
Three prestigious awards for robotics team
Sponsored by Spark Academy, UPSP1 earned the Excellence Award for their meticulously designed robot and detailed progress log. Additionally the team won the Community Award for hosting robotics workshops in local schools, and the Inspire Award for their standout performance despite resource constraints.
Their creative problem-solving and strategic focus propelled them to seventh place globally, with Paraguay ranking fourth among nations, trailing only Canada, the USA, and China.
The team’s passion for robotics fuelled their success. United by a shared vision, they overcame inexperience and economic challenges, turning comparisons with better-funded teams into motivation for improvement. “We wanted to see if our ideas could compete with the world’s best robots,” said a team member.
Cultural exchange and a job offer!
The tournament also celebrated cultural exchange, with 54 countries showcasing their robotics prowess. UPSP1 embraced the global community, forging connections and even receiving a job offer from a Mexican team for one member to teach robotics. “We were welcomed into a world of passion for robotics,” the team shared.
Filled with pride, UPSP1’s achievements have raised the bar for Paraguayan robotics. Their year-long effort has sparked motivation to surpass their limits and inspire more students to form robotics teams. By sharing knowledge through workshops, they aim to expand access to robotics education across Paraguay, nurturing a new generation of innovators. For UPSP1, this is just the beginning. With their sights set on future competitions, they are determined to push boundaries, bring robotics to a broader audience and inspire Paraguay to form more robotic teams.
Recently also the Paraguay’s Eagles Tech Team kids brought back a trophy from an international robotics tournament.
