innovation
Robotics gives BB&N students the opportunity to turn curiosity into action. Through hands-on engineering, creative problem-solving, and collaboration, students learn to test ideas, work through setbacks, and build solutions together. With continued investment, we can create more opportunities for students to explore their interests and discover what they’re capable of.
a core pillar of the campaign
The Bright Bold Next Campaign is investing in design-driven learning environments that support how BB&N students learn, create, and collaborate. The new Robotics Studio reflects our commitment to providing students with a dedicated space to design, build, and test their robots. With continued philanthropic support, we can bring this vision to life.
the new studio
Construction is underway on a dedicated Robotics Studio behind the Upper School, extending the existing woodshop.
The space will give BB&N’s robotics teams a permanent home while creating a hands-on environment where students across disciplines can explore design, experiment, and bring their learning to life.
This is an investment in more than a building. It’s an investment in a space where students can learn through trial and error, solve complex problems, and discover what’s possible when they put ideas into practice, whether or not they participate in robotics.
“Adding a Robotics Studio to BB&N gives students another place to build talent and find a passion,” says Steve C. P’22, ’24, ’27. “It brings the excitement, teamwork, and competition of athletics to STEM, and gives kids with interests ranging from engineering and programming to design, business, and communications a chance to build something meaningful together.”
student experience
Robotics brings together technical skills and the human skills that make ambitious projects possible.
| Category | VEX Robotics (Current Program) | FIRST Robotics (Future Expansion) |
| Robot Scale | Small, standardized metal/plastic parts, strict size limits (e.g., 18″ cube), ~10-15 lbs. | Large, custom-fabricated frame and systems, up to 120-150 lbs, ~5-6 ft tall. |
| Engineering Process | Iterative design, rapid kit assembly and modification, field-side testing and improvement. | Complex industrial-grade design (using CAD), professional fabrication (CNC, waterjet), advanced system integration. |
| Programming | Block-based, Python, C++. Program for reliable autonomous routines and sensor interaction. | Java, C++, LabVIEW. Advanced non-autonomous control, computer vision, intricate sensor feedback. |
| Competition Scope | Tournament-based games in standard game fields; fast-paced multiple matches. | Large-scale regional and international events with elaborate themed fields and high production value. |
| Target Grades | 9–12 (High School) | 9–12 (High School) |
the new studio
We have made meaningful progress toward bringing the Robotics Studio to life.
Your support can help close the gap and make this dedicated space for student innovation a reality.
The Robotics program is open to students in grades 9–12.
VEX is currently offered in the fall at the Upper School, and we plan to offer a FIRST robotics option during the winter season.
This will depend on the specific student, after-school activity, and level of involvement in robotics. At this time, we are eager to encourage any student interested in robotics to get involved. The athletic department, arts department, and Upper School administration will meet with individual students to help them plan accordingly.
Currently, neither VEX nor FIRST carries academic credit. Integrating robotics into the curriculum is a possibility for the future, subject to course development and review.
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