Competitions

Odată cu noul sezon FIRST Tech Challenge, abordăm noile provocări cu accent pe inovare și muncă în echipă.

În perioada 13-14 septembrie 2026, am participat la evenimentul Kickoff și Kickathon desfășurat la ICHB Pallady, unde am fost întâmpinați călduros de echipa Quantum Robotics 14270. Cu această ocazie, am analizat tema acestui an și am început dezvoltarea primului robot, parcurgând etapele de proiectare, construcție și programare.
Debutul de sezon a fost marcat de o primă victorie.

Acest rezultat reprezintă o bază solidă pentru competițiile următoare, unde ne propunem să învățăm din fiecare meci și să ne îmbunătățim continuu performanțele.

În cadrul competiției, ByteForce și-a unit din nou forțele cu echipa StarLight #24909 din Pitești, formând alianța StarForce. Cele două echipe au construit de-a lungul timpului o relație bazată pe prietenie, respect, colaborare și pasiunea comună pentru robotică.

Repartizată în divizia Velocity, StarForce a încheiat rundele de calificare pe locul al III-lea, obținând calificarea în Playoffs. Printr-un parcurs solid, alianța a ajuns până în semifinalele Bucharest Twin Cup 2026.

Rezultatul reprezintă o nouă confirmare a nivelului competitiv al echipei ByteForce. Într-o competiție care a reunit echipe de top din România și din alte țări, echipa a demonstrat încă o dată că poate performa la cel mai înalt nivel.

În spatele acestor rezultate se află munca unei echipe formate din elevi, mentori, voluntari și alumni, care transformă pasiunea pentru tehnologie în proiecte, soluții și experiențe cu impact real.

De la Inspire Award – Locul I la Eindhoven până la semifinalele Bucharest Twin Cup 2026, ByteForce își continuă parcursul cu aceeași ambiție.

În cadrul FIRST Tech Challenge European Premier Event 2026, desfășurat la Eindhoven, în Țările de Jos, am reprezentat România alături de alte 105 echipe participante din întreaga lume, în una dintre cele mai importante competiții internaționale dedicate roboticii educaționale.

În urma parcursului din rundele de calificare, în care am disputat opt meciuri, ne-am calificat în faza eliminatorie, fiind selectați în alianța a șasea alături de echipele Trojan Robotics #24090 din Țările de Jos și Wilsobotics din Regatul Unit.

Participarea noastră s-a încheiat cu obținerea Inspire Award – Locul I, cea mai prestigioasă distincție acordată în cadrul FIRST Tech Challenge. Acest premiu recunoaște excelența tehnică, performanța competițională, impactul în comunitate, calitatea procesului de inginerie și capacitatea unei echipe de a reprezenta valorile programului FIRST, confirmând rezultatele obținute atât în competiție, cât și în afara terenului de joc.

Pe parcursul evenimentului, am susținut interviurile de jurizare, în cadrul cărora am prezentat proiectele dezvoltate, activitățile desfășurate pe parcursul sezonului și impactul acestora în comunitate. De asemenea, am participat la activități educaționale și de dezvoltare profesională, inclusiv o vizită la High Tech Campus Eindhoven, unul dintre cele mai importante hub-uri europene de tehnologie și inovare, unde am explorat ecosistemul de cercetare și dezvoltare și am obținut locul al II-lea în cadrul unui Scavenger Hunt tehnic organizat pentru participanți. Totodată, am luat parte la workshopuri dedicate inteligenței artificiale și tehnologiilor aplicate în industria modei, precum și la un tur al Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), care ne-a oferit o perspectivă asupra mediului academic și a proiectelor de cercetare dezvoltate în cadrul universității.

În cadrul competiției, am avut onoarea de a-l avea alături de noi pe Cristian Presură, fizician, cercetător și autor, recunoscut pentru contribuțiile sale în domeniul tehnologiei și pentru activitatea de promovare a științei. Prezența sa la eveniment a reprezentat un prilej de promovare a educației STEM și a valorilor programului FIRST Tech Challenge.

Participarea echipei ByteForce la FIRST Tech Challenge European Premier Event 2026 a fost posibilă datorită sprijinului generos oferit de autoritățile locale – Consiliul Județean Galați și Primăria Municipiului Galați – precum și al sponsorilor și partenerilor care au crezut în potențialul și viziunea echipei. Această susținere a avut un rol esenţial în asigurarea resurselor necesare deplasării și desfășurării activităților competiționale la cel mai înalt nivel, reflectând o investiție reală în educație, inovație și viitorul tinerilor din comunitatea noastră.

Facem parte din Programul Național de Educație STEM FIRST Tech Challenge, organizat de Asociația Nație Prin Educație, organizație non-profit care coordonează desfășurarea programului în România. Programul reunește anual peste 220 de echipe și peste 5.000 de elevi și mentori, contribuind la dezvoltarea competențelor tehnice, spiritului de inovare și leadershipului în rândul tinerilor.

Between March 14 and 16, 2026, we participated in the national phase of the FIRST Tech Challenge Romania, held at the Sala Polivalentă in Bucharest. The event brought together 96 teams and fostered an intense competitive environment based on advanced technical solutions and well-defined strategies.

On the first day, we successfully completed the judging interview and technical checks, confirming the functionality of the systems we developed and the level of preparedness we had achieved. This stage laid the groundwork for our subsequent progress in the competition.

During the qualifying stage, we achieved consistent results, winning most of our matches and securing a spot near the top of the standings. Our performance on the field was supported by an effective strategy and our ability to adapt to different styles of play.

In the elimination round, we advanced to the Coandă Division Final, where we competed alongside the Velocity Robotics #21087 team. Our performance throughout the competition highlighted the alliance’s cohesion and ability to perform under pressure in highly challenging matches.

Based on both competition performance and judged interviews, we qualified for the FIRST® Tech Challenge European Premier Event 2026, which will take place June 17–20 in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

Our team has returned successfully from the Southeast Regional Competition, held on February 7–8, 2026, which was marked by hard work and total focus.

Five wins out of six games played in the qualifying round.

Finalists in the competition, following a strong alliance formed with Velocity 21087.

Control Award, for excellence in programming and sensor use.

Our performance on the field allowed us to advance to the later stages of the competition, where, through our strategic collaboration with Velocity 21087, we managed to reach the event’s final. This achievement officially secured our spot in the national round, giving us the honor of once again representing the “Vasile Alecsandri” National College and the city of Galați.

Our efforts in software development were recognized with the Control Award. This award is dedicated to teams that demonstrate intelligent use of sensors and code to optimize robot efficiency. The distinction reflects our performance in autonomous control and during the TELEOP period, highlighting how technology transforms strategy into concrete results.

We are grateful to our sponsors, mentors, teachers, and parents, whose constant support has been essential at every stage of this journey.

On January 31, 2026, our team participated in the Câmpina X.I Meet, a League Meet organized by the teams Ro2D2 17962 , Velocity 21087 , and Team Undefined 19112 . The event served as a preparatory test for the regional round, providing an opportunity to evaluate the robot’s performance and the effectiveness of the strategies developed by the team.

Competition results:

• 4 wins out of 6 games played;
• Ranked 5th at the regional level;
• Effective strategic alliances with other participating teams.

During the event, the team also took part in interviews and collaborative activities with other teams, facilitating the exchange of experiences and reinforcing the values of the FIRST community: cooperation, respect, and innovation through technology.

On January 25th, 2026, our team participated in the Meet the Alumni League Meet, organized by the Quantum Robotics 14270 team. The event brought together teams from the FIRST Tech Challenge community, providing a competitive setting to evaluate technical performance and game strategies.

Competition results:

• 4 wins out of 6 matches played
• Effective collaboration in alliances with other teams
• Testing of robot strategies and functionalities under real competition conditions

The matches gave the team the opportunity to analyze the robot’s strengths, as well as technical aspects that can be optimized, contributing to overall performance improvement.

During the event, the team also participated in judged interviews and educational sessions focused on the evaluation process and award criteria within FIRST Tech Challenge. These activities facilitated knowledge sharing between teams and reinforced the core values of the FIRST community, based on respect, cooperation, and innovation.

On January 18th, 2026, our team organized, together with RoSophia 21455 and Heart of RoBots 20265, the Frozen Artefact Throwdown, a League Meet dedicated to FIRST Tech Challenge teams. The event aimed to encourage collaboration between teams, the development of technical skills, and the optimization of game strategies.

Objectives and Organization

• Creating a competitive environment for testing robots and game strategies
• Promoting innovation and collaboration among participating teams
• Facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices within the FIRST community

Results and Impact

• Teams demonstrated technical precision and strategic gameplay
• Collaboration sessions enabled improved planning and strategy implementation
• The event contributed to refining robot performance and team tactics

Frozen Artefact Throwdown had a significant impact on team development, supporting preparation for regional and national competitions and strengthening collaboration and innovation within the FIRST community.

On January 11th, 2026, our team participated in the Defrost Meet competition, organized by the teams CyLiis 19043, Peppers 19044, and Mecha Byte 22590 at Paradis International College in Iași. The event brought together teams from the FIRST Tech Challenge community, providing a competitive framework for testing robot performance and game strategies.

Competition results:

• Participation in multiple robot testing matches
• Evaluation of game strategies and robot functionalities under real competition conditions
• Identification of technical aspects to be improved for future competitions

The matches allowed the team to assess robot performance and identify areas for improvement, contributing to increased efficiency and adaptability in future competitions.

The event also provided opportunities to exchange experience with other participating teams and attend educational sessions, reinforcing the FIRST community principles of collaboration, innovation, and continuous technical development.

On December 13, 2025, the ByteForce team participated in the Eastern Royal Arena, a competition organized by the Eastern Foxes, alongside 10 other FTC teams. The event provided a dynamic setting focused on collaboration and the exchange of technical ideas, with an emphasis on engineering solutions and innovation in the STEM field.

During the competition, the team presented its robot and interacted with the other participating teams, forming alliances that helped facilitate the matches. The team’s performance resulted in 5 wins out of 7 matches played.

The experience highlighted the team’s cohesion, mutual respect among participants, and ongoing commitment to technical development, further strengthening ByteForce’s competitive track record.

Between August 22–24, 2025, our team participated in the Bucharest Twin Cup 2025, an event that brought together 40 robotics teams in a competitive and collaborative environment.

The first day was dedicated to technical inspections and practice matches. Our robot successfully passed inspection, and the initial matches confirmed the team’s technical preparation. On the field, we formed an alliance with the StarLight team, and the collaboration contributed to strong results and the refinement of our game strategy.

Over the following days, we received two notable awards. The Identity and Cohesion Award recognized the team’s unity and the way we collaborate within an alliance, while the Software and Sensing Award highlighted the solutions developed in programming and sensor integration.

The competition also provided opportunities to interact with other FTC teams, contributing to experience sharing and strengthening relationships within the FIRST competition community. Participation in Bucharest Twin Cup 2025 was a valuable experience that combined technical performance with team development and collaboration among participants.

Between July 1-5, 2025, we participated in the FIRST Tech Challenge European Premier Event held in Eindhoven, Netherlands, where 95 teams from over 25 countries competed.

Following a strong performance in the qualification rounds, we advanced to the elimination stage as part of the second-ranked alliance, finishing 4th overall in Europe, alongside the team Robo AS #19082.

In addition to our competition results, we were awarded the Control Award – 1st Place, recognizing excellence in the effective use of programming and the robot’s automated systems to perform precise, autonomous, and controlled movements during the competition, reflecting our technical expertise, creativity, and consistent performance.

Throughout the event, we also took part in educational activities, including visits to Eindhoven University of Technology and the headquarters of the FRC Rembrandts #4481 team, as well as a workshop on technology ethics, which provided us with a broader perspective on responsible technological development.

The ByteForce team’s participation in the FIRST Tech Challenge European Premier Event 2025 was made possible thanks to the generous support provided by local authorities—the Galați County Council and the Galați City Hall—as well as sponsors and partners who believed in the team’s potential and vision. This support played a vital role in securing the resources needed to travel and compete at the highest level, reflecting a real investment in education, innovation, and the future of the young people in our community.

The team was supported by the "Nație Prin Educație" Association, a nonprofit organization founded by Dana Războiu, which promotes and supports STEM education for over 5,000 high school students and their mentors each year. Since 2016, the association has organized the National Robotics Program FIRST Tech Challenge. The association develops and coordinates all aspects of the project, involving teams from Romania, and organizes annual regional and national competitions for high school students.

Between March 14–16, 2025, our team participated in the FIRST Tech Challenge Romania National Championship in Pitești, an event that brought together 60 teams and over 1,000 participants in a highly competitive environment.

During the qualification rounds, we achieved five wins out of six matches and finished as the captain of the fourth-ranked alliance. In the elimination rounds, we formed an alliance with the CSH 17861 team, reaching the position of third alliance in the competition.

On the second day, we presented our team’s vision, robot architecture, and game strategy to the judges. Our performance on the field remained consistent, with four wins out of five playoff matches.

Our robot’s performance was also reflected in the scoring, achieving 472 points (452 NP), which ranked among the top global scores at the time.

In addition to competition results, our team was awarded the Motivate Award I, recognizing strong team cohesion, community involvement, and the ability to promote FIRST values.

Based on both competition performance and judged interviews, we qualified for the FIRST® Tech Challenge European Premier Event 2025.

Between January 17–19, 2025, our team participated in the FIRST Tech Challenge Regional Championship 2025 in Piatra Neamț, achieving results that reflect our technical and organizational progress.

Competition Results:
• 5th place out of 49 teams after the qualification matches
• 5 wins out of 6 qualification matches
• Think Award II for the quality of our technical documentation

On the third day of the competition, the awards were announced, along with the list of the 14 teams that advanced to the national stage. Our 5th place ranking secured our qualification for the FIRST Tech Challenge Romania National Championship 2025, where we will represent the “Vasile Alecsandri” National College and the city of Galați.

The work initiated in September was recognized with the Think Award Second Place, awarded to teams that demonstrate rigor in documenting the engineering process and presenting their technical and organizational development. This distinction confirms the quality of our Engineering Portfolio, where we detailed the robot’s design, construction, optimization, as well as the strategies and solutions developed to address competition challenges.

The second League Meet we hosted this season, Meet & Chill, took place on January 11th, 2025, at Siderurgistului Hall, in Galați, alongside teams Seramitae 23486 and Velocity 21087. Focused on creating a relaxed but high-standard event, we combined strong on-field performance with thoughtful branding and logistics.

We prepared thoroughly: from early planning sessions setting the visuals, to carefully assigning roles and coordinating every detail. The event stood out by offering a remarkable experience for all participating teams and by highlighting the spirit of the competition.

At the end of the day, our efforts paid off - we finished the competition in 1st place, a result that reflected both our technical growth and our teamwork.

The Great Union of Robotics is an annual event dedicated to technology and innovation enthusiasts from Romania and the Republic of Moldova. The event brings together robotics teams from the FIRST Tech Challenge community to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the growth of the STEM community through demos, friendly matches, and educational activities.

Over the course of three days, participants have the opportunity to test their robots in a competitive yet supportive environment, attend inspiring talks from professionals across various fields, and take part in workshops, artistic moments, and cultural celebrations that highlight unity and diversity. The event traditionally takes place at the “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați and is supported by institutional partners such as the National College “Vasile Alecsandri” Galați, the Galați City Hall, and the Galați County Council.

More than just a competition, The Great Union of Robotics is a celebration of the next generation of innovators, a platform for learning, connecting, and fostering meaningful collaborations among young people who share a common passion for science, technology, and progress.

The Great Union of Robotics, 3rd Edition

The Great Union of Robotics, 2nd Edition

On December 21st, 2024, we hosted Santa’s Meet in Brăila, together with teams Helix 17860 and HEX 19143 - our first official League Meet of the season. We aimed to set a high standard, both through our robot’s performance and the event’s organization.

The competition helped us analyze our current challenges and led to a major upgrade to Perseus II: switching from an active to a passive intake system. With improved strategy and execution, we secured 3rd place, winning 4 out of 5 matches.

The event embraced the holiday spirit with themed materials (badges, banners, displays), gifts for all teams, and sweet treats offered by the local teams. With support from Brăila City Hall, each team received a festive gift bag.

Already having experience from last year’s Kickathon, we began putting the wheels in motion for the new season a few weeks prior. The event took place on September 7–8, 2024, at ICHB Pallady. We both built and programmed the robot's chassis, using GoBilda structures to facilitate the process of adding systems on it during the 16 hours of work.

Also, together with our mentor Mr. Conf. dr. ing. Șolea Răzvan, we established the mechanic and electronic pieces, equipments and filament needed to print everything necessary. Moreover, we split our tasks from the beginning to have a better organisation.

After being warmly welcomed by team Quantum Robotics 14270, we were shown to a room we shared with our sister-team DynaByte 23478. No sooner had we let our luggages in the room, than we started a brainstorming session. To have a functioning robot we then decided to build a simple robot, based around an arm with a claw. After the brainstorming session followed the working time, when we split our tasks in a way in which some members can focus on the robot and others on studying the new Competition Manual.

Happy that after 8 hours the robot was fully finished from a mechanical point of view, we ran off to the playing field to start working on the programming side, for Tele-Op and Autonomous. We were delighted to see that we have a functioning robot which contended against 29 teams and with which we managed to obtain, alongside team Bolts and Gears 17965, the award for Highest Scoring Alliance, with a score of 108 points.

This event not only filled us with joy on receiving the results, but taught us once more how important are good organisation, a clean work space and a continuous motivation to not give up in the face of challenge.

On April 26th, 2024, we were surprised and thrilled to find out we had been invited to the Maryland Tech Invitational (MTI) – one of the largest international robotics competitions. We were proud to be among the top 42 teams worldwide and one of only five teams from Romania.

It was our first major international competition outside Romania, and our goal was clear: to win as many matches as we could, to connect with as many teams as possible, share ideas, and build future collaborations.

We immediately began searching for sponsors to help cover the registration and travel expenses. Thanks to many kind responses – especially from the Galați County Council, who covered most of our costs – we were able to attend.

Our technical team worked daily to improve the robot, while our drivers practiced consistently to be fully prepared. We arrived in the U.S. a few days early to adapt to the time zone, and after a quick stop in New York, we headed to Laurel, where the competition is held annually.

Over the three days, we lived one of the most exciting and emotional experiences we’ve ever had. Even though the final day brought us some bad luck, we finished 11th after the 8 qualifying matches. But MTI was never just about rankings — it was about learning, growing, and discovering that we, too, can inspire others.

MTI 2024 didn’t give us exactly what we wanted, but it gave us what we needed. It was just the beginning. We aim to go further, stronger, and continue to inspire.