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At 911������, robotics isn’t just a competition — it’s a proving ground for innovation. Kettering’s VEX U team, KUdos, showcased their abilities at the 2025 VEX AI Robotics Competition Championship in Houston, where they brought home the prestigious Excellence Award and the Energy Award. 

VEX AI is a step beyond the standard VEX U world competition, challenging teams to design robots that compete entirely autonomously. This year, KUdos rose to the challenge, and then some, achieving an undefeated record in all qualification matches and earning the No. 1 ranking among collegiate teams.

The VEX AI awards come on the heels of a top showing at the VEX Worlds competition in May, where the team brought home the Innovate Award. The award recognizes teams whose engineering approach challenges convention and advances the game.

“We Built the Complete Package”

“Winning the Excellence Award is the culmination of everything we’ve worked toward,” said Nathan Nguyen ’26, mechanical engineering major and team captain. “It’s not just about building a robot; it’s about engineering, strategy, documentation, and collaboration, the complete package that defines a championship team.”

The Excellence Award stands as one of the highest honors in VEX AI competitions, recognizing overall excellence across both judged categories and on-field performance. Criteria include a fully developed engineering notebook, demonstration of independent inquiry, strong interviews, student-centered ethos, and consistently ranking in the top 40% in Qualification Matches, Robot Skills, and Autonomous Coding Skills Challenges. KUdos’ dedication to thorough documentation, innovative engineering, and teamwork earned them this coveted distinction.

A Team That Powers the Event

Beyond technical achievements, KUdos brought unmatched enthusiasm and energy to the competition, earning the Energy Award. This award recognizes teams that maintain a high level of excitement throughout the event, enriching the experience for everyone involved.

“Everywhere we went, people wanted to talk about our robots,” said Connor O’Keefe ’25, computer science major and strategy lead for the team. “It wasn’t just about us. It was about inspiring others and sharing the passion we have for robotics.”

Nguyen added, “Our team has always been about bringing energy and positivity, whether we’re answering questions from younger competitors or cheering on other teams. Winning the Energy Award was a reminder that robotics is as much about community as it is about competition.”

Redefining the Game

This season, KUdos made history with a groundbreaking design: “Rafiki” and “Simba”, two robots operating as one throughout an entire match. “That idea came up early in the season,” Nguyen said. “No one’s done it in any VEX high school, university, or AI competition before, and it changed the way we approached the game.”

Their “strategy dictates design” philosophy shaped every decision. “We don’t innovate just to stand out,” O’Keefe explained. “Every idea is a deliberate choice to support our game plan and make sure we lead the competition.”

Engineering Excellence and Emotional Milestones

KUdos’ season included Innovate Awards at every competition they entered, culminating in another at Worlds. “One of our mentors called 'Rafiki' and 'Simba’ the definition of world-level Innovate robots months in advance,” Nguyen said. “Seeing that prediction come true was unforgettable.”

This championship also marked O’Keefe’s final season with KUdos. “When we received the Innovate Award at VEX U Worlds, I saw Connor cry tears of joy,” Nguyen recalled. “We’ve built this team together over three years, late nights, big ideas, even arguments turned into breakthroughs. I’m going to miss him dearly.”

Powered by Kettering’s Co-Op Advantage

KUdos’ success is a testament to Kettering’s hands-on, experiential learning. “My Co-Op in program management taught me how to lead cross-disciplinary teams,” O’Keefe, who has Co-opped with MAHLE in Troy, MI, said. “That experience was invaluable in building a winning robotics team.”

Nguyen agreed. “Kettering’s Co-Op program lets me work back home in California while continuing to innovate and compete on campus,” he said. “It’s hands-on, paid experience that gives us an edge.” Nguyen ‘26, a Cypress, CA native, made the decision to complete his Co-op assignment closer to home at RadiaBeam in Santa Monica, CA. 

Other members of the team leverage a variety of Co-op experiences. Katee Callicutt ‘27, a mechanical engineering major, found Co-op work in her hometown of Greenville, SC, at Magna Seating on its BMW account. A.J. Martinek ‘28, a computer science major from Berrien Springs, also found Co-op work with Magna, but in the New Mobility division in Troy, MI. Andrew Bolthouse ‘27, an engineering major from Hudsonville, MI, has completed Co-op rotations at Bissell Homecare. Adreiana Lippolis ‘28, a computer science major from Linden, MI, has spent time working at Ford Motor Company. Chris Schutter ‘28, a mechanical engineering student from Jenison, MI, works for Bradford White Corporation in Middleville, MI, while Cameron Smith ‘28, a mechanical engineering student from Grass Lake, MI, works at Eaton Corp. in Jackson, MI.

What’s Next?

As KUdos looks ahead, their mission is clear: raise the bar again. “Every year, our mantra is: how do we go further?” Nguyen said. “At Kettering, we’re not just building robots. We’re building a mindset that drives innovation and redefines what’s possible. With the momentum of our first-year success in VEX AI, we’re more driven than ever to push the boundaries of innovation and explore what’s truly possible through this competition.”