2 Franklin High School robotics teams ranked in the top 100 in the world
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Franklin High School's Robotics Program is making noise as two of its teams find themselves ranked in the top 100 of the World TrueSkill Rankings by VRC RoboScout, an app that measures the performance of high-school robotics teams at VEX robotic competition tournaments throughout the year.
One of their upperclassmen teams, which goes by the name Genesis, is composed of four juniors and currently ranks No. 2 out of a pool of over 10,000 teams.
Their freshmen team – the Oriental Express – currently ranks as No. 86 in that same pool.
'I'm proud of all of them. They all work hard. I strive to put that competitiveness in them — that they're going to compete no matter what. Even if your robot breaks, you got to set it down and get out there and try to do something. Get in somebody's way,' said Daniel Quinones, Franklin's computer science teacher and both teams' adviser.
Quinones said no high school in the Borderland has ever had a robotics team place this high in the rankings before.
VEX competitions 'consist of matches played on a 12 by 12 square field. Two alliances, composed of two teams each, compete in matches consisting of an autonomous period followed by a driver controlled period. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than the opposing alliance,' according to the Robotics Education and Competition (REC) Foundation.
The REC Foundation manages the VEX Robotics World Championship — the pinnacle of robotics competitions held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, TX — and it is the 'largest and fastest-growing' robotics engineering platform, according to their website.
The rankings work as a form of power rating, measuring where the robotics teams stand at a specific point in the year, and an indicator of how their robot might stack up later in the year.
The Genesis team has won four VEX tournament championships this school year, and the Oriental Express team has won three VEX tournament championships, all of which were local.
But the teams still have bigger stages ahead which they are gearing up for.
They will be competing in the University Interscholastic League's (UIL) 2025 RECF-VEX Robotics Pilot Championship — the Texas state tournament — and regional tournaments where they will look to punch their ticket to the REC's VEX Robotics World Championship once again.
'When we came back from worlds (VEX World Championship), we felt really disappointed. Since we were (eliminated) early on, we didn't get to the dome (final stage),' said Brian Tseng, the strategist for team Genesis.
Franklin's Robotics team at the 2024 VEX Robotics World Championship – Courtesy of Daniel Quinones
The strategist on the team stands by the 'driver' who controls the robot in a given match.
Tseng said that their disappointing finish at the world championship last year in Dallas fueled them to work tirelessly so that they can finally reach the 'dome.'
'In order (to reach the dome), we started (working) early in May and throughout the entire summer. And so by the time we compete, we're already at the highest level that we can get to,' Tseng said.
Robotics teams have to design, build, and program a robot that they will put out on the field to compete at tournaments throughout the year.
As the robot goes through competitions and wears down, the teams have to build new versions of the robot based on their original design so that they can continue to compete the rest of the season.
'Robotics is not just a competition. I'd say it's a mentality — a mentality to pursue your dreams, not just here in the high school level, but up there in college. I feel that with what we've been able to achieve, we're going to achieve more and more in our daily lives in the future,' said Gabriel Villela, the 'coder' for team Genesis, who wants to pursue a career in computer engineering.
'I want to make Franklin High School and El Paso known around the world. When we travel, not really anyone knows about El Paso, but I'm trying to get us up there,' said Jonah Cuellar, the 'driver' for team Genesis, who wants to pursue a career in aerospace or biomedical engineering. 'I get here sometimes as early as seven in the morning. I'm just practicing how we're going to drive in the arena, (practicing) things that I'm going to do in competition, (imagining) scenarios in my head and making sure I'm ready mentally and physically to compete and give it my best,' Cuellar said.
Meanwhile, Noah Hsieh, a freshman and team captain for the Oriental Express, said they look up to team Genesis and try to learn from their experience, but are just as determined to succeed on their own.
'You always want to beat your bigger brother,' Hsieh said. 'Checking out other people's (robot) designs, people that are top in the world, that gives you an idea of what the expectations are. We stay here (school) every single day until like 7 p.m., just working and coding. Hard work does really pay off and we believe that if we communicate well, we can get anything done,' Hsieh said.
Quinones — Franklin's computer science teacher — said that robotics has grown exponentially in the Borderland, and their success is great indicator of the resources that are being poured into STEAM programs in the El Paso Independent School District.
'I just want to give thanks to our school district for for backing us up, our superintendent, assistant superintendent, our Computer Technology Department, Mr. Marcus, especially. (Marcus) makes sure we get the (tools and equipment) that we need. And, of course, our principal here at the school that allowed us to put this club together, travel and, be successful,' Quinones said.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Hashtags
- Science#VEXRoboticsWorldChampionship,WorldTrueSkillRankings,VRCRoboScout,2025RECF-VEXRoboticsPilotChampionship,VEXWorldChampionship,DanielQuinones,Quinones,BrianTseng,Tseng,VEX,Genesis,OrientalExpress,Franklin,REC,KTSM,FranklinHighSchool,Robotics,Foundation,RECFoundation,UniversityInterscholasticLeague,UIL
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
4 hours ago
- Forbes
Prosthetics Startups' Biggest Market Isn't Humans. They're Building Hands For Robots Instead.
Aadeel Akhtar, the founder of Psyonic, has a PhD from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champain. Matt Carney was good at building robots — he just didn't want to. While earning his PhD at MIT, he'd spent years studying mechanical engineering and biomechatronics in service of developing bionic prosthetics that could help people who'd lost limbs. He hoped to build robotic legs that could pick up on the phantom signals sent by a body's muscles or function autonomously so it could move naturally, unlike the plastic, unmoving prostheses that are common now. But as he began talking to venture capitalists about funding a company that would develop these so-called bionics, he quickly discovered that the market didn't want robotic devices that could replace human limbs, it wanted robots that could replace human beings, the sort of humanoids championed by sci fi laureates like Isaac Asimov and self-appointed tech visionaries like Elon Musk. Investors cautioned him against venturing into the cost-heavy medical world and regularly asked if he might be more interested in building humanoids or exoskeleton suits. Even trusted experts building bionic limbs told him the technology currently available wasn't advanced enough to be truly helpful. Without a breakthrough in AI, let alone an addressable market, building futuristic robot body parts wasn't something investors would bankroll. So Carney looked elsewhere, taking a job as chief engineer at Persona AI, an early-stage contender in the field of humanoid robotics that has raised $27 million in funding. It's facing off against much larger startups like Boston Dynamics, Foundation Robotics and Figure AI, which have achieved valuations greater than $1 billion for their human-like bots. Then there's the elephant in the room: Musk's Tesla, which the world's richest man has pivoted toward building humanoid robots, with the idea that they'll generate trillions in revenue for the company and someday outnumber humans. Musk has touted a lofty vision of the future where he sees these robots as a catch-all method for labor, posting on X about replacing surgeons, being a 'personal C-3PO or R2-D2' to perform the bidding of an owner, and, of course, driving a car. Much of the tech world seems sold on them, too. The Information reported Wednesday that Amazon will begin testing out package delivery with humanoids. Speaking onstage at an event in late May for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, billionaire venture capitalist Marc Andreessen said that humanoid robotics provide a solution to regaining manufacturing dominance in the United States, with these robots performing tedious tasks such as installing screws on an assembly line. Carney plans to return to the prosthetics space one day. But he isn't the only entrepreneur who originally wanted to focus on building so-called bionic limbs to help real people, and instead have been pushed to follow the money: why not build for robots too? Take San Diego-based Psyonic, which officially launched in 2021 solely as a prosthetics company, building a waterproof robotic hand with built-in sensors to register touch sensations (alongside perks like the ability to charge a cell phone). Psyonic found some early traction, with Medicare covering the cost of its hands for patients. It was last valued at $65 million in 2024 and has raised a total of $8 million, according to PitchBook. Not long after launching, CEO and founder Aadeel Akhtar started to realize that there could be an entirely new market for his startup's hands, signing on Meta as an early robotics customer for an AI project. By 2023, humanoid robotics were booming, and demand skyrocketed. Now, the majority of Psyonic's business comes from selling its hands to manufacturing firms and robotics companies like Apptronik, which has raised more than $400 million to build humanoid, general purpose robots. The robotics side of his business 'is growing exponentially right now,' Akhtar told Forbes, later adding, 'The big draw there is being able to have one generalized robot do many tasks as opposed to activity specific robots.' Shifting toward catering to humanoid robotics startups comes with advantages. The hundreds of millions being poured into the space is helping commoditize the cost of the core technologies — the actuators, sensors, control methods and carrying capabilities needed to build both humanoid robots and bionic limbs. Akhtar said the shift has helped it further develop its prosthetics technology, and lower its prices. For San Antonio-based Alt-Bionics founder and CEO Ryan Saavedra, who was inspired to build inexpensive robotic hands after his hand was injured in a rock climbing accident, Apptronik is also a major customer. Now, the company sells more robotic hands than prosthetics to 'tier one humanoid companies.' It's a form of 'cross-pollination,' Saavedra said. And Leeds, England-based COVVI, which makes prosthetic hands with the ability to move individual fingers, recently launched a robotic hand tailormade for humanoid robots. 'Every humanoid robot needs robotic arms and legs,' said Connor Glass, the CEO and founder of Phantom Neuro, which is developing a non-invasive implant that enables a person to control a prosthetic device and works closely with prosthetics companies. 'Now [startups] are able to pivot in a way, and try to generate revenue by working with these humanoid robot companies.' It looks like a savvy business move. A Goldman Sachs report from 2024 projects that the total addressable market for humanoid robots will reach $38 billion by 2035. It projects that millions of general purpose human-shaped robots will be produced by then, with a 40% reduction in costs. (Right now, they're often prohibitively expensive; Apptronik is targeting a $50,000 price tag but hasn't reached this unit price, and Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot reportedly costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.) By contrast, there are only 5.6 million U.S. citizens with limb loss or limb difference, according to the Amputee Coalition. That makes this a very small market, and one that's accessed through the U.S. healthcare system. It can take years and millions of dollars to get a more advanced product through the FDA or navigate a complicated insurance system. Robots don't have such hurdles. Not all prosthetics startups are going after this new opportunity. Joel Gibbard, who cofounded Bristol, U.K.-based Open Bionics in 2014 and has raised $18 million to date, has decided to stay focused on making its 3D-printed bionic arms for humans, not robots. 'Everyone in this space is probably having those ideas, thinking about it as a growth opportunity,' Gibbard said. 'I don't know if we've made the right judgment, but I can tell you that we've made a conscious decision.' Bionics needs a watershed moment to get investors' attention, said Tyler Hayes, founder of Atom Limbs, which is building a complex AI-powered arm. 'A company is going to need to demonstrate a pretty significant breakthrough, as the public would see it, for bionic limbs to get that kind of traction,' he said. Building robot limbs for bots is far from a sure bet. Ken Goldberg, the cofounder of robotics firms Ambi Robotics and Jacobi Robotics and a University of California-Berkeley professor, told Forbes that while advances in humanoid robotics are possible in the (very) long term, the timeline and hype surrounding them are exaggerated. Videos promoting these humanoids' capabilities are often misleading, and there's always a wizard behind the curtain, he said. 'Robots are getting very good at locomotion, walking, and so there are all these robots out there that look like humans, walk like humans, and people think 'Well then, they are humans',' he said. 'Manipulation, the hands, is where the challenge is.' (That's why his company, Ambi Robotics, is building purpose-built AI-powered robots that can grip and sort packages, while his newer startup, Jacobi Robotics, is developing purpose-built robots for moving items on and off industrial pallets.) Simple tasks like folding a box or clothes, anything that requires dexterity, are challenging and harder than an activity like walking. It's no wonder humanoid startups are looking toward bionic prosthetics for help. 'We're nowhere near being able to automate those things,' Goldberg said. 'Hands on a robot is a surprisingly big leap.'
Fox News
5 hours ago
- Fox News
New mobile robot helps seniors walk safely and prevent falls
The demographic landscape in the U.S. is shifting rapidly, with the median age now at 38.9, almost a decade older than it was in 1980. By 2050, the population of adults over 65 is projected to surge from 58 million to 82 million, intensifying the already urgent challenge of eldercare. With falls remaining the top cause of injury among older adults, the need for innovative, tech-driven solutions has never been clearer. MIT engineers are stepping up to this challenge with E-BAR, a mobile robot designed to physically support seniors and prevent falls as they move around their homes. E-BAR, short for Elderly Bodily Assistance Robot, is not your typical assistive device. Rather than relying on harnesses or wearables, which many seniors find cumbersome or stigmatizing, E-BAR operates as a set of robotic handlebars that follow users from behind. This allows individuals to walk freely, lean on the robot's arms for support or receive full-body assistance when transitioning between sitting and standing. The robot's articulated body, constructed from 18 interconnected bars, mimics the natural movement of the human body, delivering a seamless and intuitive experience. The engineering behind E-BAR's mobility is equally impressive. The robot's 220-pound base is meticulously designed to support the weight of an average adult without tipping or slipping, and its omnidirectional wheels enable smooth navigation through tight spaces and around household obstacles. This means E-BAR can move effortlessly alongside users, providing support in real time, whether they are reaching for a high shelf or stepping out of a bathtub. What sets E-BAR apart from previous eldercare robots is its integrated fall-prevention system. Each arm is embedded with airbags made from soft, grippable materials that can inflate instantly if a fall is detected. This rapid response cushions the user without causing bruising, and, crucially, it does so without requiring the user to wear any special gear. In lab tests, E-BAR successfully supported elderly volunteers as they performed everyday tasks that often pose a risk for falls, such as bending down, stretching up or navigating the tricky edge of a bathtub. Currently, E-BAR is operated via remote control, but the MIT team is already working on automating its navigation and assistance features. The vision is for future versions to autonomously follow users, assess their real-time fall risk using machine learning algorithms and provide adaptive support as their mobility needs evolve. The E-BAR project is rooted in extensive interviews with seniors and caregivers, which revealed a strong preference for unobtrusive, non-restrictive support systems. E-BAR's U-shaped handlebars leave the front of the user completely open, allowing for a natural stride and easy exit at any time. The robot is slim enough to fit through standard doorways and is designed to blend into the home environment, making it a practical addition rather than an intrusive medical device. MIT researchers see E-BAR as part of a broader ecosystem of assistive technologies, each tailored to different stages of aging and mobility. While some devices may offer predictive fall detection or harness-based support, E-BAR's unique combination of full-body assistance, fall prevention and user autonomy addresses a critical gap for those who want to maintain independence but need occasional support. Currently, MIT's E-BAR robot is still in the prototype stage and is not yet available for consumer purchase. The research team is continuing to refine the design and aims to bring it to market in the coming years, but it could take 5–10 years before the device receives full regulatory approval and becomes commercially accessible. Looking forward, the research team is also focused on refining E-BAR's design to make it slimmer, more maneuverable and even more intuitive to use. They are also exploring ways to integrate advanced AI for real-time fall prediction and adaptive assistance, ensuring that the robot can meet users' changing needs as they age. The ultimate goal is to provide seamless, continuous support, empowering seniors to live safely and confidently in their own homes. What stands out about E-BAR is how it's designed with real people in mind, not just as a tech gadget. It's easy to see how something like this could make a big difference for seniors wanting to stay independent without feeling tied down by bulky or uncomfortable devices. As the technology improves, it could change the way we think about caring for older adults, making everyday life safer and a bit easier for everyone involved. How comfortable would you feel trusting a robot like E-BAR to help your loved ones move safely around their home? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Possum-sized robot aids South Burlington sports fields
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – Since last year, the South Burlington Parks Division has used a GPS-guided miniature robot to paint its fields for sports and mark lines. The robot even has a name – 'Linus'. The City of South Burlington wrote in a Facebook post, 'Linus the line-striping robot can mark a soccer field in about half an hour, freeing up its human coworkers for mowing and other maintenance.' The City has put the robot to work at Veteran's Memorial Park in advance of practices, games, and other events. UVM nurses practice at state-of-the art 'virtual hospital' By contrast, the Gold Country Soccer League in California estimates that a human painter would take twice that time just for a touch-up and longer for a whole new painting from scratch. Fields need to be repainted as often as once a week during regular use, and painting all the lines for a football field is even more complex and time-consuming. The robot, a specialized model known as a Turf Tank, can paint any of over 120 patterns entered into its customized software. It can also estimate how much paint it will use in its operations in advance. The company claims the robot's precision means it uses as little as half the amount of paint that would be needed to complete the painting manually. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
