The future of robotics and technological innovation more broadly will soon be in the hands of today’s youth, which makes it important to get kids all over the world engaged and interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This importance is not lost on WATT’s UP, a robotics team based out of Dinicu Golescu High School in Câmpulung, Romania. The group, first founded in 2016, is a globally excelling student robotics team that is not only participating in local and international competitions, but has a strong mandate to develop interest in robotics and engineering amongst local students.
WATT’s UP first got its start with the launch of Romania’s BRD FIRST Tech Challenge, now the biggest Robotics Championship in Romania that sees participation from over 1,000 students. Students from Dinicu Golescu High School have participated in every edition of the contest and have been named National Champions no less than four times. Twice, the WATT’s UP team also qualified for the FTC World Championships: ranking fifth place in 2019 at the global event held in Detroit, MI, and winning the Jemison Division Finalist Award in Houstin, TX in 2024.
These achievements are significant: the FIRST Tech Challenge is a global affair that sees students in grades 7-12 design, build and program robotics in competition against other teams (first local, then regional, then global). In developing their robots, students can use a variety of resources and technologies, including 3D printing, which enables rapid and customized iterations for robot components.
While competing is a key element in what WATT’s UP does, it is also dedicated to promoting STEM and robotics with fellow students. For example, WATT’s UP members regularly organize workshops and educational activities for children and teens. The aim of these outreach initiatives is to get more local youth interested in and involved in technology. “Through everything we do, we want to inspire young people to follow their dreams in technology and science. STEM education is the key to a better future, and we are here to show them that anyone can learn and innovate,” said a member of WATT’s UP team.
The robotics team also participates in local industry events, making connections with professionals in the field of robotics, technology, and digital manufacturing. VoxelMatters founder Davide Sher met with the team this past October at the inaugural edition of Next Layer, Romania’s first dedicated event for additive manufacturing. For WATT’s UP, the chance to attend the 3D printing showcase presented a unique opportunity to meet with experts in the field and learn more about 3D printing and its growing role in robotics design and production. As the student team said: “At this event, the team had the chance to meet Davide Sher, a renowned expert in the field, who joined WATT’s UP as a media partner, helping promote STEM education and supporting the team’s mission to inspire young people across Romania.”
As a media partner, VoxelMatters will be following the team’s advancement in the upcoming FTC season, which kicks off in February 2026. Stay tuned for more.