Our Story

As a rookie team, we MantaBots proudly trace our origins back to the Green Brick Road FLL team, a group celebrated for its innovative spirit and competitive edge in the realm of robotics. Initially, in the Green Brick Road, we primarily used LEGO bricks to design and build our robots, fostering creativity and teamwork through these accessible materials. This laid the groundwork for our own journey, instilling in us a passion for robotics and the fundamentals of engineering.

As we transitioned from the Green Brick Road team to becoming the MantaBots, we took on a new challenge by utilizing real parts and advanced technologies in our projects. This shift has pushed us to elevate our skills and deepen our understanding of robotics, presenting a steeper learning curve and more complex problems to solve. This year, we are tackling significantly harder challenges, requiring us to think critically and innovate in ways we hadn’t before, especially since most of us are new to the First Tech Challenge. Each competition demands not only technical proficiency but also strategic planning and teamwork, as we navigate the intricacies of building robots that can perform effectively in a competitive environment.

Our experiences so far have been transformative. We’ve embraced the difficulties that come with working with real parts, which demand precision and expertise. Each member of the MantaBots brings their unique talents to the table, allowing us to tackle problems from various angles and learn from one another. The camaraderie we’ve developed as we work through these challenges has been invaluable, reinforcing our belief in the power of collaboration.

As we forge ahead, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve. This year is not just about competition; it's about growth, innovation, and inspiring others in our community. We expect to engage in outreach initiatives and mentorship opportunies with our FASNY's FLL team, the TechnoSharks, sharing our enthusiasm for robotics and encouraging younger students to explore the STEM fields.