Boswin Robotics VEX V5 Team 17924B Wins the Amaze Award at the Waterloo Showdown
Boswin Robotics continues to see strong results from its VEX V5 competitive teams, with students demonstrating solid engineering skills, teamwork, and steady growth throughout the season. At the Waterloo Showdown, Boswin Robotics teams 17924B and 17924M delivered performances that reflected both technical achievement and meaningful learning experiences.
Team 17924B earned the Amaze Award, a major recognition in VEX V5 competitions that highlights outstanding robot design, build quality, and overall performance. At the same event, Team 17924M gained valuable competition experience, using the tournament to test ideas, improve strategies, and grow as a team in a demanding competitive environment.
These outcomes reinforce Boswin Robotics’ focus on hands-on learning and long-term student development through competitive robotics.
The Waterloo Showdown: A Demanding VEX V5 Event
The Waterloo Showdown is known for its high level of competition and fast-paced matches. Teams are challenged not only to build effective robots but also to adapt quickly, communicate clearly with alliance partners, and solve problems under pressure.
For Boswin Robotics, the event served as an important opportunity for both teams to apply their preparation in a real tournament setting. Every match required careful planning, quick adjustments, and strong collaboration, all of which are core skills in engineering and robotics.
Team 17924B: Amaze Award Winners
The highlight of the Waterloo Showdown for Boswin Robotics was Team 17924B’s Amaze Award win. The Amaze Award is presented to teams that demonstrate a strong understanding of the engineering design process, from concept and construction to performance on the field.
Thoughtful Robot Design
Team 17924B’s robot stood out for its well-planned design and reliable performance. Each mechanism was built with a clear purpose, focusing on consistency and control during matches. The team showed strong attention to detail, ensuring that the robot could withstand repeated use and still perform effectively.
This level of preparation played a key role in the team’s success throughout the competition.
Engineering Process in Action
Judges look closely at how teams approach problem solving, and 17924B demonstrated a clear and structured design process. The team tested ideas, evaluated results, and made improvements based on real performance data. This ability to iterate and refine is a critical engineering skill and a major factor in earning the Amaze Award.
Strong Match Performance and Strategy
In addition to robot design, Team 17924B showed solid match awareness and strategic thinking. The team communicated well with alliance partners and adjusted their approach based on field conditions and scoring opportunities. These skills helped the robot perform consistently and contributed to the team’s overall success at the event.
Team 17924M: Learning Through Competition
While Team 17924B earned an award, Team 17924M focused on gaining experience and continuing to build confidence in a competitive setting. Participating in events like the Waterloo Showdown allows teams to learn lessons that cannot be fully taught in practice sessions alone.
Applying Skills Under Pressure
Competition environments introduce real challenges, including time constraints, unexpected issues, and rapidly changing match situations. For Team 17924M, the Waterloo Showdown provided valuable opportunities to apply their technical knowledge and problem-solving skills under pressure.
Each match helped the team better understand their robot’s strengths and areas for improvement.
Growth Beyond Results
Team 17924M also strengthened communication and teamwork throughout the event. Coordinating roles, discussing strategy, and supporting one another during matches are essential aspects of robotics competitions. These experiences help build confidence and prepare students for future events.
Boswin Robotics and Engineering Foundations
The success and growth of Teams 17924B and 17924M reflect Boswin Robotics’ broader mission to introduce students to engineering through hands-on, project-based learning. VEX V5 competitions give students practical experience with mechanical systems, programming, sensors, and control logic.
While artificial intelligence is not taught as a standalone subject, students are introduced to related concepts through robotics, such as automation, sensor feedback, and decision-making systems. These ideas help students understand how robotics connects to modern technology and real-world applications.
Looking Ahead
The Waterloo Showdown marks an important point in the season for both teams. Team 17924B’s Amaze Award win highlights their progress and sets a strong foundation for future competitions. Team 17924M’s experience provides valuable insights that will support continued improvement.
As the season continues, Boswin Robotics remains committed to helping students grow as problem solvers, collaborators, and future engineers.