For the second consecutive year, young Mexican students have clinched the gold medal at an international robotics competition held in Japan, catapulting Mexico to the top of the global robotics rankings.
The victory came during the 2025 RoboCup Junior International Championship, hosted in Nagoya, where students from PrepaTec San Luis Potosí and Tecmilenio University showcased cutting-edge engineering and teamwork. Competing against teams from over 30 countries, the Mexican delegation impressed judges with their autonomous underwater robot designed for deep-sea exploration, aligning with this year’s theme: “FIRST DIVE: Deep Sea Discovery.”
Their robot excelled in both the autonomous navigation and driver-controlled stages, collecting simulated algae and deploying coral structures with precision. The team’s innovative use of smart cameras, spring-loaded lifters, and multi-directional mobility systems earned them top marks in technical design and execution.
This back-to-back win follows their 2024 triumph in the same competition, solidifying Mexico’s reputation as a rising powerhouse in STEM education. The students also received the prestigious Engineering Inspiration Award, recognizing their impact on promoting engineering within their schools and communities.
Mentor Francisco Guerra, who also won the Woodie Flowers Outstanding Mentor Award, emphasized the importance of collaboration and creativity: “These students are not just building robots—they’re building the future of Mexico.”
The achievement has sparked national pride and international recognition. Mexico’s Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) praised the teams for their excellence and commitment to innovation, while global observers noted the country’s growing influence in youth robotics.
With this win, Mexico now ranks first globally in the FIRST Robotics Competition standings, a testament to the country’s investment in science and technology education. The students’ success is more than a medal—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when talent, mentorship, and opportunity converge.
