Student engineering programme supports team in the FIRST Tech Challenge 2025

After deep discussions, igus Automation Engineer Jake Fays was able to provide a practical and innovative solution. By recommending a DC motor with a worm gear and spline configuration, Jake enabled the team to re-configure the motor position, allowing it to fit seamlessly into the limited space available, technical guidance that helped the students move forward with their build.

The support provided by igus is part of its broader commitment to nurturing young talent through the YES campaign. Having worked with several student-led STEM projects in the past such as formula student and UBRacing, igus understands the financial and technical hurdles these teams often face. By providing high-performance plastic engineered components and hands-on advice, igus can help students achieve their goals bringing ideas to life.

“Projects like these often face roadblocks as a result of tight budgets” said Jake Fays. “We’re happy to be able to provide even a small amount of support if that helps students achieve the outcomes they’re aiming for whilst inspiring them to consider careers in this field.”

The Ryecroft team delivered an impressive performance at the championship, showcasing a well-engineered robot and great team spirit throughout. While the competition was intense, the experience left a lasting impact on the attendees, with many commenting that it had sparked a deeper interest for them in STEM and innovation as a future career prospect.

YES campaign organiser, Taylor Macdonald attended with support from events engineer Harry Worts to see the team compete in their qualifying tournaments. “Supporting Laurus Ryecroft through the YES campaign was a fantastic opportunity to empower the next generation and demonstrate the real-world impact of engineering,” said Taylor. “It was a pleasure to be invited and to see how our components contributed to their journey of competing in such an inspiring event.”

Across the two-day period, the Ryecroft robotics team gave a presentation to the panel of judges detailing the build, coding and promotional process of their robot, with an inspection of their design both on and off the pitch. All of the teams were categorised into two divisions and allocated qualifying games to compete in throughout the day. Although Laurus Ryecroft did not win at national level this time, Team leader and teacher Rachel Merry says, “Given that it’s our first year in the competition, to even have made it to nationals was a privilege.”

igus continue to support student teams like Laurus Ryecroft through their yes campaign, providing technical advice and sample products to propel teams towards success in competitions and graded projects.