The Texas Torque Robotics team is having a stellar season, securing the team’s place at both the state championship and the world championship.
State begins on April 2 and worlds will take place the weekend of April 17.
“This season has been outstanding for our team. At the 2025 Tomball District event, we placed as Finalists and won the prestigious Impact Award, which recognizes our commitment to spreading STEM education and positively influencing our community. We then went undefeated at the 2025 Victoria District event, winning the competition and earning the Innovation in Control Award for our advanced control systems,” Vice President Sophie Bevins said.
Torque’s recent success motivates the team to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence at future competitions.
“With our confidence at an all-time high, we’re determined to compete at the highest level at the World Championship. Our goal is not only to advance to the Einstein Finals but to win the entire championship,” President Can Tataker said.
Torque has set its sights on the championship, after devoting hundreds of hours to perfecting its robot.
“During the off-season, we meet for approximately three hours, three to four times a week, including weekends. Once the build season starts, our commitment increases significantly. We meet six days a week for about three and a half hours each day. The build period is intensive, lasting six weeks, followed by continuous testing, refining, and practice to ensure our robot is competition-ready,” build lead Owen Horn said.
Torque’s technical build season begins in the spring when FIRST Robotics presents a new challenge. In preparation, the team spends its off-season training rookies and hosting practice competitions.
“During this time, we host The Remix, an off-season competition that brings together over 40 teams from surrounding states, providing both rookie teams and members with competition experience in a lower-stakes environment. As a new addition to our rookie training this year, one of our students even designed an entirely new mock competition game, allowing rookies to experience a simulated competition,” Tataker and Horn said.
Once the build season begins, team members begin to brainstorm ideas for their robot and begin construction.
“After thorough testing and design reviews, we refine our concepts into a final robot design. Our development robot is built first, allowing us to test and troubleshoot subsystems. Once everything is working efficiently, we manufacture our final competition robot allowing for driver practice,” Tataker and Horn said.
Torque not only dominates the competition, but also spends time inspiring younger students through its outreach programs, such as workshops, mentoring, and hosting STEM nights at elementary schools.
“We are most proud of the community of future engineers we have built. Week after week, our members strive to help each other grow. Every year, we work together to design and build innovative robots reflecting our dedication and passion for STEM,” Bevins said.
With a few competitions left to go, Torque has high hopes for the future.
“Year after year, we consistently build competitive robots that reflect the dedication and talent of our team. Our previous successes, including winning at both of our district competitions this year, both robot-wise and Impact Award, give us confidence. We are optimistic about our chances at both the State and World Championships and are specially motivated to continue our positive momentum and aim for our best performance yet next week,” Bevins said.
The Impact Award was a big deal for Torque, as it was the first time they had won it in several years.
“It’s a testament to our dedication to both engineering and community outreach,” Tataker said, regarding winning the impact award.
Torque is amped up and excited to compete at the state and world championships this spring while continuing to improve.
“Last year, we performed exceptionally well at the district level, securing a victory at one competition. This year, we improved even further, winning our district event and earning the most prestigious award that celebrates our community impact at another district event. Additionally, we were division winners at the world championship last year, and we are eager to aim even higher this season,” Tataker said.
Robotics is a great opportunity for students who are interested in engineering, programming, business, or design. No experience is required.
“Our team is a supportive environment where members learn and grow together. If you’re even slightly curious about STEM, don’t be afraid to get involved. We believe anyone can achieve amazing things when given the right resources and support. Come by the robotics lab anytime for a tour — we’re probably there!” Bevins said.
