Zebra Robotics teams across the United States and Canada wrapped up a successful FIRST LEGO League season this 2025 – 2026.
This year, they took on the Unearthed archaeology challenge with powerful robots, thoughtful research, and effective teamwork. While many Zebra Robotics students also compete in robot game focused programs such as STRIPE Competition and World Robot Olympiad, FIRST LEGO League remains a core program for its emphasis on research, innovation, communication, and real world problem-solving alongside robotics and programming.
In North Carolina, teams explored archaeology through a STEM lens, researching solutions such as photogrammetry for preserving ancient artifacts, safer transport systems for mummies, heat protection gear for archaeologists working in extreme environments, and methods for protecting fragile cave paintings.
All four North Carolina teams advanced to the State Championship, with three earning top ten robot game scores at the state level.
“FIRST LEGO League stretches kids in the best ways. They’re building robots one minute and pitching big ideas to judges the next. Add in tight timelines, teamwork, and real research with industry professionals, and suddenly STEM becomes a lot bigger than just code and LEGO robots.”
Stephanie Hicks, North Carolina Coach at Zebra Robotics.
In Ontario, Canada, Zebra Robotics covered five brilliant teams, nearly all of them participating for the first time, representing Avenue Road, Brampton, Meadowvale, and Oakville. Teams embraced the Unearthed theme by developing innovation projects focused on archaeological discovery and making the lives of archeologists easier on the field. This included autonomous rover concepts, introductory artificial intelligence ideas, and applications of robotics, automation, and data analysis. Alongside robot design, students strengthened collaboration, documentation, and presentation skills.
Ontario teams delivered strong performances at regional competitions, with three advancing to the Provincial Championship after earning awards including Engineering Excellence, Coaches Awards, Core Values, and the Championship Award. At Provincials, teams presented refined innovation projects and improved robot designs, earning a Motivate Award for Brampton and an Engineering Excellence Award for Meadowvale. The Meadowvale team has now advanced to the FIRST LEGO League International competition, a significant achievement for the rookie team.
“This season was really fun, but competition day was definitely nerve-racking. I am so glad we were able to win an award!”
Zebra Robotics Meadowvale Team Member
Across both countries, Zebra Robotics teams demonstrated the value of FIRST LEGO League in developing skills that extend beyond competition day. Through hands on engineering, research driven projects, and collaboration under pressure, students built confidence, resilience, and a deeper interest in STEM and robotics.
The success of both rookie and experienced teams reflects the impact of consistent mentorship and accessible STEM opportunities, reinforcing a commitment to developing the next generation of innovators, engineers, and problem solvers.
With more FLL seasons coming up and recruitment starting in early July, we cannot wait for the 2026 – 27 season reveal and for the competition prep to start.
Team Blockbuster from Zebra Robotics Brampton
If you’re looking to join an award-winning FLL team this summer check out our Zebra Robotics programs!
