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The Heartbeat of Robotics: What Makes a Zebra Mentor Special

At Zebra’s STRIPE competitions since 2022, we’ve noticed something beautiful: the most successful teams aren’t always the ones with the fanciest robots. They’re the ones whose coaches have mastered the delicate art of teaching kids how to think, not what to think.

You know that moment when a student’s eyes light up—not because they got the right answer, but because they finally understand the question? That’s where the real magic happens in robotics mentorship.

Let me introduce you to three such mentors who’ve left permanent fingerprints on our programs.Their approaches are as different as their personalities, but they all share one secret ingredient: they remember what it felt like to be a beginner.

The Mentor Who Says Less to Teach More

You’ll find Coach Sanjana in her natural habitat: sitting cross-legged on the floor surrounded by frustrated middle schoolers, asking dangerous questions like:

“What would happen if we tried the exact opposite of what the instructions suggest?”

Her superpower? Silence. She’ll watch a robot fail spectacularly three times before gently asking, “What pattern do you see in these crashes?” The moment when students realize she’s known the solution all along—but let them discover it themselves—is pure gold.

“During Last STRIPE season,” she told me, “a student rebuilt our entire chassis because I wouldn’t tell her which screw was loose. She named the robot ‘The Professor’ because it taught her more than I ever could.”

The Mentor Who Builds Families, Not Just Teams

Coach Tahmoor runs his team like a tiny startup where everyone has two titles: their technical role and their human role. You might be the “Lead Programmer and Chief Encouragement Officer” or the “Hardware Specialist and Conflict Resolver.”

His secret weapon? The “Before We Build” ritual:

  1. Share one non-robotics thing happening in your life
  2. Name one teammate’s strength you’re grateful for
  3. Predict one thing that will go wrong today (and laugh about it in advance)

“We thought we’d lost our star coder when her family relocated last November,” Tahmoor remembers. “But every Tuesday at 4 PM, without fail, her pixelated face would appear on our laptop screen, troubleshooting code from 2,000 miles away. Some bonds outlast zip codes.”

The Mentor Who Keeps the Play in Programming

Coach Vikram workspace looks like a mad scientist’s birthday party. There’s a “Wall of Epic Fails” celebrating broken prototypes, a few drone bots, and a couple of 3d printers 

His philosophy? “If you’re not occasionally laughing so hard that soda comes out your nose, you’re doing robotics wrong.”

When tensions run high before competitions, he’ll suddenly announce: “Emergency dance party! Your robot can’t learn from stressed-out humans.” The kids groan every time—and every time, it works.

“The real win isn’t trophies,” Vikram says. “It’s when alumni visit and say, ‘I chose my major because of how you made circuits feel like play.’”

The Thread That Connects Them

What makes these Zebra mentors extraordinary isn’t their technical expertise (though they have plenty). It’s that they:

  • Listen to what students aren’t saying (the nervous fidgeting, the hesitation to ask for help)
  • Remember that robotics is just the vehicle for teaching resilience and creativity
  • Measure success in lightbulb moments, not just scoreboard results

As one parent wrote to us: “My daughter came home and said, ‘My coach believes in me more than I believe in myself.’ That’s the kind of math that really adds up.”

To all the mentors reading this—whether you’re with Zebra or cheering from elsewhere—thank you for being the quiet force behind so many young discoverers.The robots are lucky to have you.

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The Impact of AI on Coding: Why Learning to Code is More Important Than Ever

“Young students working on a coding project, exploring the intersection of AI and robotics at Zebra Robotics.”

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, automating tasks, and reshaping the way we work. As AI becomes more advanced, many people are asking: “What is the impact of AI on the need for coding knowledge?” and “Does AI make coding less necessary?” At Zebra Robotics, we believe that the rise of AI makes coding education more important than ever. Here’s why.

What is the Impact of AI on the Need for Coding Knowledge?

AI is undoubtedly changing the coding landscape, but it’s not replacing the need for coding knowledge—it’s enhancing it. Here’s how:

Coding as a Foundation for AI:
Understanding coding is essential for working with AI. Whether it’s writing algorithms, debugging AI models, or integrating AI into applications, coding remains a critical skill.

AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement:
AI is a powerful tool that can automate repetitive tasks, but it still requires human oversight and input. Coders are needed to design, train, and refine AI systems.

New Opportunities in AI Development:
The rise of AI has created new roles in machine learning, data science, and AI ethics, all of which require strong coding skills.

 Does AI Make Coding Less Necessary? Are Coders’ Jobs at Risk?

While AI can automate certain aspects of coding, it doesn’t make coding less necessary—it shifts the focus of what coders do. Here’s why coders’ jobs aren’t at risk:

  • AI Can’t Replace Creativity and Problem-Solving:
    AI excels at common tasks, but it lacks creating custom solutions that is specific to a particular business problem, the creativity and critical thinking skills that human coders bring to the table are hard to be replace. Coders are needed to solve complex problems, design innovative solutions, and think outside the box.
  • The Human Touch in Coding:
    Coding isn’t just about writing lines of code—it’s about understanding user needs, designing intuitive interfaces, and creating meaningful experiences. These are areas where human coders excel.
  • AI Creates More Jobs Than It Replaces:
    According to the World Economic Forum, AI is expected to create 97 million new jobs by 2025, many of which will require coding skills.
“Zebra Robotics students celebrate their success at STRIPE competition, showcasing their coding and problem-solving skills.”

Why Learning to Code is More Important Than Ever

As AI continues to evolve, coding education becomes even more critical for the next generation. Here’s why:

  1. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:
    Learning to code helps children develop essential skills like logical reasoning, algorithmic thinking, and debugging—skills that are crucial in an AI-driven world.
  2. Kids for Future Careers:
    Whether it’s developing AI systems, working in cybersecurity, or designing apps, coding is a foundational skill for many high-demand careers.
  3. Creativity and Innovation:
    Coding empowers children to bring their ideas to life, whether it’s creating a game, building a robot, or developing an AI-powered app.
  4. Resilience and Adaptability:
    In a world where technology is constantly changing, coding teaches children to adapt, learn new tools, and embrace challenges.
“The Zebra Robotics logo, representing our commitment to empowering the next generation of coders and innovators.”

Zebra Robotics: Preparing Kids for an AI-Driven Future

At Zebra Robotics, we’re committed to helping children develop the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven world. Our programs:

  • Introduce kids to coding and robotics through hands-on, project-based learning.
  • Teach critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity—skills that AI can’t replicate.
  • Provide a supportive environment where kids can explore, experiment, and innovate.

The rise of AI doesn’t make coding less important—it makes it more essential than ever. By learning to code, children develop the skills they need to succeed in a technology-driven world, from critical thinking and problem-solving to creativity and innovation. At Zebra Robotics, we’re proud to empower the next generation of coders, innovators, and problem-solvers.


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How Robotics and Coding Enhance Critical Thinking Skills

Coach Ram guiding young innovators as they tackle robotics challenges at the STRIPE Competition. With teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving at play, these students are preparing to push the boundaries of STEM learning!


In today’s fast-paced, information-rich world, critical thinking skills are more important than ever. These skills empower individuals to analyze information objectively, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions. For parents in British Columbia (BC), where the demand for STEM education is growing, robotics and coding offer a unique and engaging way to help children develop these essential skills. At Zebra Robotics, we’re proud to bring our innovative programs to BC, fostering the next generation of critical thinkers and problem-solvers.

Precision, creativity, and engineering in action! A dedicated young innovator fine-tunes his robot, bringing ideas to life through hands-on STEM learning at Zebra Robotics.

How Robotics Enhances Critical Thinking

  1. Problem Identification and Analysis:
    Robotics projects often present complex challenges that require students to identify the root cause of problems and analyze potential solutions. For example, building a robot to navigate a maze involves understanding the problem, brainstorming solutions, and evaluating the best approach.
  2. Design and Planning:
    Designing and building a robot involves careful planning. Students must consider factors like functionality, materials, and programming, which enhances their ability to think strategically and plan effectively.
  3. Testing and Iteration:
    The process of testing and refining a robot encourages students to analyze results, identify areas for improvement, and iterate on their designs. This iterative process is at the heart of critical thinking and innovation.
  4. Troubleshooting:
    When a robot doesn’t work as expected, students must use their critical thinking skills to diagnose the problem and find a solution. This hands-on problem-solving builds resilience and adaptability.
Programming the future—one block at a time! A young coder focuses on refining their LEGO robotics project, turning creativity into code at Zebra Robotics.

How Coding Enhances Critical Thinking

  1. Logical Reasoning:
    Coding involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, logical steps. This process strengthens logical reasoning skills, helping students approach problems methodically.
  2. Algorithmic Thinking:
    Creating algorithms requires students to think systematically and develop step-by-step instructions for a computer to follow. This skill is essential for solving real-world problems efficiently.
  3. Debugging:
    Identifying and fixing errors in code requires careful analysis and attention to detail. Debugging teaches students to think critically and persist through challenges.
  4. Abstract Thinking:
    Coding often involves working with abstract concepts and data structures, which helps students develop abstract thinking skills. This ability to think beyond the concrete is crucial for innovation.

“Critical thinking is the foundation of innovation, and at Zebra Robotics, we believe every child has the potential to think critically, solve problems, and create a better future. Through robotics and coding, we’re empowering students in British Columbia to tackle challenges, think creatively, and build the skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven world.”
– Satish Thiyagarajan, Co-founder and CEO, Zebra Robotics

Zebra Robotics: Fostering Critical Thinking Through Robotics and Coding

At Zebra Robotics, we’re committed to helping students in British Columbia develop critical thinking skills through our hands-on programs:

  • Challenging Projects: Our robotics and coding projects are designed to push students to think critically and creatively.
  • Project-Based Learning: We use a project-based approach that encourages experimentation, collaboration, and problem-solving.
  • Expert Guidance: Our experienced instructors provide the support and mentorship students need to succeed.

Why Choose Zebra Robotics in BC?

As we expand into British Columbia, we’re excited to bring our award-winning programs to families in the region. Here’s why parents in BC are choosing Zebra Robotics:

Coach Asad proudly poses with his team of young innovators after their big win at the STRIPE Competition! Celebrating their hard-earned certificates!
  • Proven Success: Our students have excelled in prestigious competitions like the STRIPE Competition, FIRST LEGO League, and VEX Robotics.
  • Local Impact: We’re dedicated to supporting BC’s growing demand for STEM education and preparing students for future careers in technology and innovation.
  • Engaging Learning: Our programs make learning fun and interactive, ensuring students stay motivated and inspired.

Robotics and coding are more than just technical skills, they’re powerful tools for developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. By enrolling your child in Zebra Robotics, you’re giving them the opportunity to build these essential skills in a fun and engaging environment.

Ready to help your child develop critical thinking skills through robotics and coding? Visit our BC location page to learn more about our programs and register today!

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“STEM Careers in BC: How Zebra Robotics is Preparing the Next Generation for Success”

A young woman applies STEM skills, assembling an electronic circuit with focus and precision.

 British Columbia is a thriving hub for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers, with industries like technology, clean energy, life sciences, and natural resources driving the province’s economy. As a parent, you want to prepare your child for a future filled with opportunities. At Zebra Robotics, we’re excited to bring our award-winning STEM programs to BC, helping students develop the skills they need to succeed in these high-demand fields.

A Glimpse of Innovation: The Microsoft Building in BC

BC’s economy is rapidly evolving, and STEM skills are at the heart of this transformation. Here’s why STEM education is more important than ever for your child’s future:

  1. Growing Job Market:
    • BC is home to over 10,000 tech companies, including giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Electronic Arts (EA), all of which have a significant presence in the province.
    • The province is also a leader in clean technology, life sciences, and sustainable resource management, creating thousands of jobs for skilled professionals.
  2. Future-Proof Skills:
    • STEM careers are among the fastest-growing and highest-paying in BC.
    • By 2025, it’s estimated that 80% of jobs in BC will require STEM-related skills.
  3. Solving Real-World Problems:
    • From developing renewable energy solutions to advancing healthcare technologies, STEM professionals are tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges.

As we expand into British Columbia, we’re committed to helping students unlock their potential and explore exciting STEM career paths. Here’s what sets Zebra Robotics apart:

  1. Hands-On Learning:
    • Our programs focus on robotics, coding, and engineering, giving students practical experience with cutting-edge technologies.
    • Through fun, interactive projects, students learn to design, build, and program robots, preparing them for real-world challenges.
  2. Skill Development:
    • We teach critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration—skills that are essential for success in STEM careers.
    • Students also gain confidence in public speaking and teamwork through presentations and group projects.
  3. Competition Readiness:
  4. Localized Programs:
    • As part of our expansion into BC, we’re tailoring our programs to align with the province’s unique STEM opportunities, such as clean energy and technology innovation.

“STEM education isn’t just about learning skills—it’s about empowering the next generation to solve the world’s biggest challenges. At Zebra Robotics, we’re proud to help students in BC unlock their potential and prepare for a future full of opportunities.”
– Satish Thiyagarajan, Co-founder and CEO, Zebra Robotics

Here’s a closer look at some of the exciting STEM careers your child could pursue in BC:

  1. Technology:
    • Roles: Software Developer, Data Scientist, AI Engineer, Game Designer.
    • Why It’s Hot: Vancouver is one of Canada’s fastest-growing tech hubs, with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Electronic Arts (EA) driving demand for tech talent.
  2. Clean Technology:
    • Roles: Renewable Energy Engineer, Environmental Consultant, Sustainability Specialist.
    • Why It’s Hot: BC is a global leader in clean energy, with initiatives like CleanBC driving innovation and job growth.
  3. Life Sciences:
    • Roles: Biotechnologist, Medical Researcher, Pharmaceutical Developer.
    • Why It’s Hot: BC’s life sciences sector is rapidly expanding, with world-class research institutions and companies.
  4. Natural Resources:
    • Roles: Mining Engineer, Geologist, Environmental Scientist.
    • Why It’s Hot: BC’s rich natural resources create opportunities for sustainable development and innovation.

As we launch our programs in British Columbia, we invite parents and students to join us in exploring the exciting world of STEM. Visit our STEM programs page to learn about our robotics and coding classes, or check out our locations page to discover a Zebra Robotics center near you. Encourage your child to participate in the STRIPE Competition, FIRST LEGO League (FLL), or VEX Robotics Competition to showcase their skills and creativity.

Students gear up for the STRIPE competition, putting their problem-solving and teamwork skills to the test in this interactive robotics challenge!

The future of work is here, and STEM skills are the key to unlocking endless opportunities for your child. At Zebra Robotics, we’re proud to bring our innovative programs to British Columbia, helping students build the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

AI and coding AI impact on jobs AI in education Artificial intelligence CCC coding coding for kids Competition computer science Empowering young innovators Europe ev3 FLL Future Engineers Future Innovators Future of coding Future of work girls in stem Importance of coding Montreal Ottawa Panama python Robo Sports robotics robotics competition Robotics education robotics for kids Singapore Slovenia STEM STEM and clean energy STEM career pathways STEM education STEM Education Franchise STEM in British Columbia STEM programs STRIPE Competition university admission university admissions Vancouver STEM women in stem WRO Zebra Robotics Zebra Robotics franchise

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Beyond the Rink and the Field: Why STEM Skills are a Winning Play for Your Child’s Future

British Columbia is known for its stunning landscapes and passionate sports culture. From cheering on the Canucks to watching kids score goals on the soccer field, sports play a vital role in our communities. But in today’s rapidly changing world, there’s another set of skills that are just as crucial for your child’s future success: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Why Sports Are Great AND Why STEM is Equally Important:

Young Innovator at Work: Hands-on with robotics and coding, igniting a passion for STEM from an early age

We understand the value of sports. They teach teamwork, discipline, physical fitness, and resilience. These are all essential life skills. But STEM education offers a complementary set of advantages that are equally important in the 21st century:

  • Problem-Solving: STEM teaches children how to approach challenges logically and creatively, skills that are invaluable in any field.
  • Critical Thinking: In a world of information overload, STEM empowers kids to analyze data, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions.
  • Innovation and Creativity: STEM fosters a spirit of innovation and encourages kids to think outside the box, leading to new ideas and solutions.
  • Future Career Opportunities: The demand for STEM professionals is growing rapidly. By giving your child a STEM foundation, you’re opening doors to a wide range of exciting career paths.
  • Adaptability in a Changing World: The world is constantly evolving, and STEM skills help kids adapt to new technologies and challenges.
Exploring the world of robotics: A young creator fine-tunes his robot for a hands-on learning experience in problem-solving and innovation

How STEM Complements Sports:

STEM isn’t about replacing sports; it’s about providing a well-rounded education. Think of it this way:

  • Sports build physical strength and teamwork. STEM builds mental strength and problem-solving.
  • Sports teach discipline and perseverance. STEM teaches critical thinking and innovation.

By combining sports and STEM, you’re giving your child the best of both worlds: a healthy body and a sharp mind, setting them up for success in all aspects of life.

Zebra Robotics: Where STEM Comes to Life:

Bringing ideas to life: A budding engineer programs his robot for the ultimate test of creativity and functionality

At Zebra Robotics, we make STEM learning fun and engaging. Our hands-on programs in robotics and coding allow kids to:

  • Build and program their own robots.
  • Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Collaborate with peers and learn teamwork.
  • Explore exciting STEM concepts in a supportive environment.

Just as you invest in your child’s athletic development, investing in their STEM education is an investment in their future. By embracing both sports and STEM, you’re giving your child the tools they need to thrive in the 21st century and beyond.

Visit our https://www.zebrarobotics.com/surrey to learn more about our programs and how we can help your child discover the exciting world of STEM!

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2024: Four Teams, One World Stage: Zebra Robotics at WRO Internationals in Izmir

wro2024

In 2024, Zebra Robotics sent its largest delegation yet to the World Robot Olympiad International Finals in Izmir, Türkiye — four teams, four categories, and a season’s worth of preparation put to the test on the world’s biggest robotics stage. Every team arrived having already won first place at both the GTA Regionals and Canada Nationals, and the results in Izmir reflected just how prepared they were.

Woodchucks — Nila Thiyagarajan, Riyanshi Sharma, and Shruti Nehete — competed in Future Innovators, Junior, with an AI-enabled robot designed to recognize and collect garbage on sidewalks. The judges took notice: their documentation and prototype were called near-perfect. The team carried that polish into the finals, closing out the competition in the top 20% globally.

Agribot — Zorez Gilani and Pranavkumar Redlapalli — brought a different kind of innovation to Future Innovators, Elementary: an agricultural robot that detects irregular ground levels in a field and levels it for microfarming. The project landed them in 5th place overall — a finish inside the top 8, prestigious enough to earn a mention at the WRO awards ceremony.

Miracle Monkeys — Vishnu Jeyakumar, Advik Bhagavatula, and Shlok Raval — ran a near-perfect Day 1 in Robo Mission Junior, putting themselves in strong position heading into Day 2. With the clock reading 5 seconds left on their final run — a run that had them on track for 7th place — the team triggered a program download that didn’t complete in time, forfeiting the run entirely. The team ultimately finished 23rd. It’s the kind of result that’s painful in the moment, but the kind of lesson — about timing, risk, and when to trust a result already in hand — that no classroom can teach quite the same way.

Alpha Nulls — Vedant Nehete and Devanshi Sharma — were nearly flawless from start to finish in Robo Mission Senior. A clean Day 1 set up an equally strong Day 2, and the team closed out the competition in 8th place overall — another finish inside the prestigious top 8, earning recognition on the awards stage.

From a top-8 finish to a five-second heartbreak, Izmir was a showcase of everything WRO is meant to test: not just engineering skill, but composure, timing, and the ability to perform when it matters most. Four teams, four different stories — and a Zebra Robotics delegation that left Türkiye with plenty to be proud of, and just as much to build on.

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2024: Leading After Day One: AR24 and Stunky Monkeys Take on WRO Americas in Puerto Rico

WRO-Puerto Rico 2024

In 2024, two Zebra Robotics teams traveled to Puerto Rico to compete at WRO Americas, the regional championship bringing together top teams from across North, Central, and South America — and both delivered the kind of nail-biting, lead-trading performance that makes robotics competitions so compelling to watch.

AR24 — Anvi Gupta and Rajas Salunke — punched their ticket to Puerto Rico after finishing third at Canada Nationals. Once there, they came out firing: the team finished Day 1 in first place, putting themselves squarely in podium contention. Day 2 proved tougher, and the team ultimately settled into 4th place overall — a strong, competitive finish against a regional field stacked with talent.

Stunky Monkeys — Reyaansh Desai and Rishy Grewal — followed a near-identical path to get there, also qualifying for WRO Americas with a third-place finish at Nationals. Like their teammates, they led the field after Day 1. Their Day 2, though, came with a hard lesson: a single careless mistake cost them full points on a run that, by all accounts, would have been enough to push them to the top of the podium. They finished 4th overall — heartbreakingly close to where the scoreboard suggested they belonged.

Two teams, two nearly identical arcs — strong qualification, a Day 1 lead, and a Day 2 that didn’t go quite to plan. But finishing 4th at a regional final, twice over, is no small accomplishment. If anything, both results point to exactly the kind of teams Zebra Robotics is building: ones that compete to win, not just to participate.

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Franchisee Spotlight: Lavanya

Lavanya and her family.

In 2022, Lavanya became a Zebra Robotics franchisee, opening Zebra Robotics Brampton East centre in Ontario, Canada . She is a Senior Manager in Engineering by day and inspires the future leaders of STEM by night at Zebra Robotics. Lavanya is strongly backed by her husband Raghavendra and her two sons who stand by her and share the same values of making a positive impact in STEM education and their community.

Q: Could you tell us about your career prior to joining Zebra?

A: Before joining Zebra Robotics, I accumulated over 15 years of experience in delivery management, enterprise and solution architecture, and technical leadership. In my current role as a Senior Manager in Engineering, I oversee critical applications that support operations and ensure teams have the robust, reliable systems they need to deliver exceptional service. As an engineer myself, I recognize that technical skills alone are not sufficient for success. Therefore, I focus on fostering essential soft skills such as effective communication, teamwork and collaboration, problem-solving, adaptability, leadership, time management, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, networking, and creativity. By instilling these skills in students, I aim to prepare them to become strong leaders in their respective fields.

Q: What sparked your interest in STEM education and business ownership?

A: Growing up, I was always fascinated by technology and how things worked, which led me to pursue a career in the STEM field. As I advanced in my career, I noticed a significant gap in resources and opportunities for underrepresented groups, particularly girls and children with visible and invisible disabilities.

After numerous years of volunteering for this cause, and feeling limited in making concrete progress due to changes in leadership and vision, I realized I wanted to take control over the impact I could have and create a lasting vision for significant change.

Becoming a business owner with Zebra Robotics allowed me to turn this vision into reality. It provided me with a platform to develop programs and initiatives that focus on accessibility, engagement, and fostering a love for STEM among students. Through my work, I aim to break down barriers and encourage every student to pursue their passions in technology and innovation.

Q: What are some aspects of Zebra Robotics as a company that led you to become Zebra franchise owner?

A: As a senior technology leader with a strong educational background in computer science and extensive experience in the software industry, it was crucial for me to choose an organization that prioritizes quality in its curriculum. I also wanted to focus on developing students’ interpersonal and essential skills, and the curriculum at Zebra Robotics meets all those needs.

As Peter Drucker once said, “Quality in a service or product is not what you put into it. It is what the client or customer gets out of it.” This philosophy resonates with me, as Zebra Robotics not only aligns with university-level education but also reflects industry requirements, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers. The company’s vision of fostering a love for STEM and empowering future leaders further solidified my decision to become a franchise owner.

Q: What franchise support has been the most beneficial to you?

A: As an engineer at heart without a business background, the comprehensive training provided by Zebra Robotics has been instrumental in my development as a franchise owner. The numerous-hour coach training covered essential topics such as program offerings, curriculum development, classroom management, and the use of the student portal and learning management system. Additionally, as manager/owner, training focused on sales and customer engagement, corporate IT systems, and marketing techniques. This extensive training has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage and grow my franchise.

Most recently, the franchise summit was a great addition to this experience, where we had the opportunity to learn collectively as a team from other franchise owners. It truly felt like a close-knit family that learns and grows together.

We wish Lavanya continued success as a Zebra franchisee and business owner! To learn more about Zebra Robotics franchise options, please visit our website.

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Boldly, Autonomously, and Without Reservation

Beautiful beaches, incredible cuisine, and fierce robotic competition awaits all at the Puerto Rico WRO Invitational!

The two teams stopping by the water after the event.

Last week saw two of our teams, Stunky Monkeys and AR 24, heading over to the Puerto Rico to compete in the World Robot Olympiad Invitations! These two teams were asked to represent Canada on the world stage, an honour they were excited to receive!

They spent a couple of short months preparing, perfecting their runs as best they could, while also trying to prepare for the surprise challenge. Surprise challenges often doesn’t get attempted by many teams due to their on-the-spot nature but can provide teams with a boost in points to help get them ahead.

Feeling confident, they packed their bags and headed down to beautiful Puerto Rico alongside the very founder of Zebra Robotics.

The first day brought many surprises. Competition was stiff with many strong teams from across the globe working hard to set themselves apart from the crowd, vying, of course, for first place by the end of the day. Doing so would make quite the impression, showing that the country they represent is to be taken seriously in the world of STEM.

Our teams worked hard running their robots with precision and fixing issues as they appeared. With a little bit of elbow grease and quick thinking they managed to secure not just a first-place position, but also a second-place position by the end of the day! Thus, cementing Canada as a dangerous competitor in the field of STEM. An incredible achievement!

At the event, representing Canada.

Day two became even more intense as teams began fueling their furnaces and beating their war drums. Some tried to change their tactics on the fly, while others stayed the path of their original plans. As the competition rose, our teams knew they needed to do something bold.

Their runs had been thus far consistent, a must for robotics. But the competition was getting fierce, and others had started to shake off their rust. The previous day had seen our teams attempting the surprise challenge which had helped them to pull ahead and get their first and second place wins. But doing so on the second day is much riskier. Not only is it a different surprise challenge from the day before, but you also get one less attempt at it, making it a sink or swim situation.

After carefully mulling it over, they decided the risk was worth it. They felt confident in their knowledge and capabilities. They’ve done so many competitions before. They’ve practiced their craft for what felt like forever. They knew they could do it.

With limited time, they wrote new code to attempt the final day’s surprise challenge, testing it only briefly before completing their final run. Few others even thought about trying to complete the surprise challenge, let alone take a crack at it. And so, when rubber hit mat, the judges were impressed by our team’s tenacity.

Posing for the camera after another fun day of competition.

As the day came to a close, the judges went to confer with one another. As the judges tallied, exchange score cards, and deliberated, everyone waited with bated breath. A conscious was reached. A decision made.

The totals were close, with only a handful of points separating winners in some cases. Out of twenty-four teams, our Elementary category team earned a fourth-place position, just barely below third. Out of thirty teams, our Junior category team also earned a fourth-place position, also just a few points away from third.

We are incredibly proud of our team’s hard work! While they were just shy of a podium finish, the fact that we shocked everyone with our first and second place positions on the first day is something to celebrate. Not only that, but our runs were consistent, something that is required for robotics. Especially if you want to do it as a career. And of course, the fact that both our teams attempted the surprise challenges shows that the knowledge we have imparted onto them gives them the ability to do things on their own. To act boldly, autonomously, and without reservation.            

Already our two teams are looking forward, hungrily eyeing their next competition, and already looking to prepare for their next attempt at first on the world stage. So keep an eye out, because sometime soon these incredible young engineers will be taking home the gold.

Stunky Monkeys and AR 24 posing with our flag.
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Zebra Robotics is going to Turkey for International Competition!

The robots have been run, and the points have been totaled. It’s official: four Zebra Robotics teams are going to Turkey for the International World Robot Olympiad (WRO) in November! These teams have been working hard since regionals to make their dreams a reality. This work has paid off, as ALL FOUR TEAMS got first place in their respective categories!

WRO Teams Celebrate in Montreal

Team Agribots came first in the Elementary Future Innovators category! They redesigned their robot after the regionals to a more sleek-looking, polished design.

The Woodchucks came first in the Junior Future Innovators category! They spent a ton of time at Zebra knuckling down on their design, ensuring it would run well on the day of the competition.

Team -0.618 came first in the Senior Robomission category! This team set its sights high early in the season and has been studiously perfecting a robot based on advanced math and with an innovative, efficient design.

The Miracle Monkeys came first in the Junior Robomission category! No strangers to competition, they knew that if they put in the work, they would come out on top. And they did!

We are proud of all our teams, as they all took what they had learned over the years and skillfully applied their knowledge to design the best robots possible. We know they will represent Canada well on the world stage.

But the fun isn’t over yet! We have four more teams who may make it to international competition. We will know on Friday if two of our high-scoring teams will be able to compete in either Puerto Rico or Italy at WRO Open Invitationals. Zebra is also fielding teams in two additional categories whose regionals are in September: Future Engineers and Robosports. Stay tuned to our socials to see we are sending more teams to international competition!

Big wins at Zone01 Nationals!

Zone01 Teams Posing in Montreal

Also this week, Zebra teams competed in Zone01 Regionals. This Canadian competition ends at the national level, and since Regionals at the Ontario Science Centre, the teams have been hard at work engineering and recoding their robots. Focusing on bringing their times down and preparing for surprise challenges, our teams were excited to perform. And perform they did!

Team 2πR earned first place in the Junior category! Having scored first in the regionals with 110 points, they wanted to maintain that positive trend in the Nationals, and they most certainly did.

Team Untitled earned second place in the Elementary category! This team has been particularly focused this season, and they worked to ensure that their efforts wouldn’t go to waste.

Team JMX Robots earned third place in the Junior category! This team put a ton of time and effort into their robot, and that dedication helped them secure their first ever Nationals award.

We are proud of the teams that competed. Competition takes courage, as months of learning and preparation is distilled into three tiny runs. Competition teams learn a lot about themselves and how to meet challenges with persistence and resolve. And that, to us, is the purpose of competition.

Congratulations to everyone who competed!