AJHS-ASHS BluBLOC’s Future Engineers Team Secures Top 8 Finish at WRO Asia-Pacific Open Championship 2025

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Ateneo Robotics Team Secures Top Ranking at International Competition

Pasay City, Philippines – October 23, 2025 – The Ateneo Junior High School-Senior High School (AJHS-ASHS) BluBLOC Varsity Team has achieved a important milestone in international robotics, placing among the top eight teams at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Asia-Pacific Open Championship. The competition, hosted at Le Pavilion in Pasay City from September 19th to 21st, brought together 160 teams representing 25 nations across five continents.

Filipino Team Demonstrates Innovation in Autonomous Robotics

The BluBLOC team, comprised of Junby Layaoen, Liam daga, and Marcus Crisostomo, competed in the Future Engineers category. This challenge required teams to design, build, and programme an autonomous vehicle capable of navigating a complex course, avoiding obstacles, and returning to its starting point. A “surprise challenge” element,introducing unpredictable changes to the course,further tested the teams’ adaptability and engineering prowess.

The self-driving car designed and built by the Ateneo BluBLOC Team for the WRO Asia-Pacific Future Engineers category.

Overcoming Obstacles and Earning Recognition

Despite facing technical difficulties during their recorded run, the Ateneo BluBLOC team secured eighth place overall. The team’s innovative use of locally sourced and recycled materials drew significant praise from international mentors, who suggested their design might have outperformed competitors employing more advanced, AI-powered robots had the final run been flawless. The team’s high score stemmed primarily from its excellent engineering design and comprehensive documentation.

Teams from Malaysia dominated the category, securing first and third place, while Bangladesh claimed second. The Ateneo team qualified for the Asia-Pacific Open after a top 6 finish at the Philippine robotics Olympiad finals held in Bulacan on august 16th.

Growing Interest in Robotics and STEM education

This year’s WRO Asia-Pacific Open Championship marked the Philippines’ first time hosting the event since 2010. The competition highlighted the increasing global interest in robotics and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics,STEM occupations are projected to grow 10.8 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Junby Layaoen, Marcus crisostomo, Liam Daga, and Coach Jason Arias proudly display the Philippine flag after the competition.

other Filipino teams representing the nation included participants from Grace Christian College, Don Bosco Parañaque, and Philippine Science High School – Cordillera Campus. Many of the top-performing teams from the Asia-Pacific Open will advance to the WRO world Finals,scheduled to take place in Singapore from November 26th to 28th,2025.

Did You Know? The World robot Olympiad was founded in 2004 and aims to spark interest in STEM fields among young people globally.

Pro Tip: Consider supporting local STEM initiatives to encourage the next generation of innovators and engineers.

The Future of Robotics and its Impact

Robotics is rapidly transforming industries worldwide, from manufacturing and healthcare to logistics and exploration. Autonomous systems are becoming increasingly refined, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor technology. The skills developed through robotics competitions, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, are highly valuable in today’s job market. Investing in STEM education is crucial for preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Metric	2022	2023 (Projected)
global Robotics Market Size	$32.8 Billion	$42.3 Billion
STEM Job Growth (US)	8.8%	10.8% (2022-2032)

Frequently Asked Questions about the WRO

• What is the World Robot Olympiad? The WRO is a global robotics competition for young people designed to inspire interest in STEM.
• What is the Future Engineers category? This category challenges teams to design and build an autonomous robot to navigate a specific course.
• How did the Ateneo BluBLOC team perform? The team secured a Top 8 finish at the WRO asia-Pacific Open Championship.
• What materials did the Ateneo team use? They were commended for their innovative use of native and recycled materials.
• Where will the WRO World Finals be held? The World Finals will take place in Singapore from November 26th to 28th, 2025.
• Why is STEM education important? STEM skills are increasingly vital for addressing global challenges and driving economic growth.

What are your thoughts on the growing role of robotics in education? Share your opinions and comments below!

How does the AJHS-ASHS BluBLOC team’s achievement contribute to the broader goals of STEM education in the Philippines?

A Triumph for Filipino Robotics: Team BluBLOC’s Performance

The AJHS-ASHS (Ateneo Junior High School – Ateneo Senior High School) BluBLOC Future Engineers team has achieved a remarkable feat, securing a Top 8 finish at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Asia-Pacific Open Championship 2025. This prestigious competition, held this year in[LocationofWROAsia-PacificopenChampionship2025-[LocationofWROAsia-PacificopenChampionship2025-to be updated], showcased the astounding talent and dedication of young robotics enthusiasts from across the region. The team’s success highlights the growing strength of STEM education and robotics programs in the Philippines.

Understanding the WRO Asia-Pacific Open Championship

The WRO is a global robotics competition for young people, built around the concept of LEGO robotics. The Asia-Pacific Open Championship is a key qualifying event for the WRO World Final. Teams compete in various categories,each presenting unique challenges that require innovative problem-solving,engineering skills,and teamwork.

* Regular Category: Focuses on building and programming robots to complete a set of tasks on a predefined playing field.

* Open Category: Allows teams greater freedom in designing and building robots to address a specific challenge. This year’s theme was[WRO2025OpenCategoryTheme-[WRO2025OpenCategoryTheme-to be updated].

* Football (Soccer) Category: Teams program robots to play football against each other.

* Future Innovators Category: Designed for younger participants, introducing them to the basics of robotics.

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BluBLOC’s Journey to the Top 8

The path to the Top 8 wasn’t easy. The team faced stiff competition from hundreds of other teams representing countries like Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and Indonesia. Their robot,affectionately nicknamed “[RobotNickname-[RobotNickname-to be updated],” was the result of months of dedicated work,including:

1. Design & Construction: Students meticulously designed and built the robot,focusing on precision,efficiency,and robustness. Key components included[Listkeyrobotcomponents-[Listkeyrobotcomponents-to be updated].
2. Programming: The team utilized[ProgrammingLanguageused-[ProgrammingLanguageused-to be updated]to program the robot’s movements and actions, employing advanced algorithms and sensor integration.
3. Strategy & teamwork: Developing a winning strategy and fostering effective teamwork were crucial to their success. Regular practice sessions and collaborative problem-solving were key.
4. Iterative Enhancement: The team continuously refined their robot’s design and programming based on testing and feedback, embracing an iterative growth process.

Key Innovations & Challenges Overcome

BluBLOC’s robot stood out due to its innovative approach to[Specificchallengeaddressed-[Specificchallengeaddressed-to be updated]. They implemented a unique[Specificinnovation-[Specificinnovation-to be updated]that allowed them to outperform many of their competitors.

However, the team also faced notable challenges:

* Sensor Calibration: Accurately calibrating the robot’s sensors proved to be a complex task, requiring careful attention to detail.

* Programming Errors: Debugging and resolving programming errors under pressure was a constant challenge during the competition.

* Mechanical Failures: Addressing minor mechanical failures quickly and efficiently was essential to maintaining their competitive edge.

The Impact of Robotics Education & STEM Programs

This achievement underscores the importance of investing in robotics education and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. Participating in competitions like the WRO:

* Develops Critical Thinking Skills: Students learn to analyze problems, develop solutions, and make informed decisions.

* Enhances Problem-Solving Abilities: Robotics challenges require students to think creatively and overcome obstacles.

* Promotes Teamwork & Collaboration: Working together as a team is essential for success in robotics competitions.

* Fosters Innovation & Creativity: Students are encouraged to design and build innovative robots that address real-world challenges.

* Prepares Students for Future Careers: Robotics education provides students with valuable skills and knowledge that are highly sought after in the 21st-century workforce.

Supporting Future Generations of Filipino Engineers

The success of AJHS-ASHS BluBLOC’s Future Engineers team serves as an inspiration to other young Filipinos interested in pursuing careers in STEM. Continued support for robotics programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to resources are crucial to nurturing the next generation of Filipino engineers and innovators. Organizations like[RelevantFilipinoRoboticsOrganizations-[RelevantFilipinoRoboticsOrganizations-to be updated]play a vital role in promoting robotics education and providing opportunities for students to excel.