The Middle Keys’ premier crew of competitive young robotics whizzes will have their shot at state glory on Feb. 7 and 8 at SeaWorld Orlando.
Combining the analytical mental skills of programmers with the design prowess of engineers, Marathon’s Ruckus Robotics team will travel upstate to take on all challengers in FIRST LEGO League’s (FLL) state meet.
Centered around the beloved building system, the contest challenges kids to build tabletop bots capable of autonomously completing a designated set of challenges. Dubbed SUBMERGED, the 2025 challenge takes teams on a mission to accomplish simulated operations on the high seas and fathoms below.
Ruckus’ team secured wins in the Robot Performance Award and Champion’s Award at a Jan. 11 qualifying meet, before eventually earning the state nod a week later on Jan. 18 at the Palm Beach Gardens South Florida Regionals.
“We are so proud of what these kids are doing, and their hard work has paid off,” said team coaches Sean and Catherine Snowden.
The team has established a GoFundMe page to support the costs of the Orlando trip. Those interested in donating may scan the QR code.
More information about Ruckus and the team’s First Lego League competition is at ruckusrobotics.com and firstlegoleague.org.
