Both teams played in the semifinals of their respective competitions, with Quantum Mechanics earning victories that launched them to the finals. In the finals, Quantum Mechanics and their alliance partner scored so high that they broke the regional records for both NYC and Long Island (separate regions). Quantum Mechanics is now ranked 10th in the State (comprised of 3 regions: Excelsior, NYC, and LI) out of more than 250 teams. 

Both teams won awards in the judged category of the tournament. Standard Model received the Motivate Award for their outreach initiative centered on partnering with public schools to increase opportunities for more students to learn and engage with robotics. Quantum Mechanics received the Control Award for implementing a neural network detection model that correctly identifies the randomized placement of a game element at the start of the match and autonomously engages in a variety of tasks based on the element’s placement. 

One week earlier, Dalton Robotics teams participated in the final round of qualifying events of the season. All of Dalton’s teams competed in the event and did well with teams Atomic Theory, Quantum Mechanics, and Uncertainty Principle earning spots in the top 10. Atomic Theory and Quantum Mechanics earning captain positions. 

Quantum Mechanics received the top award in the judged category of the tournament with the Inspire Award, noting them as a team that is strong all round in terms of their robot’s design, gameplay, and their team’s collective outreach efforts. Additionally, Standard Model received the Motivate Award for their outreach initiative in which they are partnering with public schools to increase opportunities for more students to learn and engage in robotics. Atomic Theory received the Innovate Award sponsored by RTX for their intake which consists of a laser-cut “living hinge” platform. 

Quantum Mechanics and Standard Model are gearing up for the NYC Regional Championship on Sunday, March 3rd at Queens Metropolitan High School. 24 teams will compete for a chance to advance to the World Championship and represent NYC in Houston, Texas.