Lithuanian team wins international robotics competition in Portugal

The Lithuanian robotics team 'Android' has secured first place at the international First Tech Challenge (FTC) competition held in Lisbon, Portugal. The tournament featured 12 teams from seven European countries, marking Portugal's first official FTC event and a step towards expanding the global student robotics program.

'Android' demonstrated exceptional performance, winning all their matches and showcasing strategic adaptability. This victory adds to their impressive international record, which includes previous FTC wins in Lithuania and Poland. The team's captain, Dainius Užusenis, also has a history of representing Lithuania in the 'FIRST Global Challenge,' securing a first place in Geneva and a second place in Panama.

Beyond the competition, the Lithuanian team's expertise is gaining international recognition. Dainius Užusenis has been invited by the Dutch FTC community to mentor local teams, underscoring the value placed on the experience accumulated by Lithuanian participants. This invitation reflects a broader appreciation for the skills and knowledge developed within the Lithuanian robotics ecosystem.

The event in Lisbon was organized by RAISEBOX in collaboration with the team Thunderstruck. Luís António, founder and head of RAISEBOX, emphasized the transformative power of competitive robotics, stating that it changes young people's perspectives on technology, particularly artificial intelligence. He views the Lisbon tournament as a seed for growing a robotics ecosystem in Portugal, aiming to build not just robots but also the future of young individuals.

During the competition, 'Android' strategically chose a Portuguese team as their alliance partner for the elimination rounds, a move that mirrors their previous decision in Poland. This collaborative approach, alongside their consistent performance, earned them the "Gracious Professionalism" award for their professionalism, support for other teams, and respectful cooperation. Dainius Užusenis expressed pride in winning the inaugural Portuguese FTC tournament and contributing to the European robotics community, noting the motivation gained from competing in a home country final.