Nine Greek elementary school students from Heraklion in Greater Athens (Attica) are preparing to travel to Massachusetts after qualifying for the FIRST LEGO League World Robotics Competition, which will take place from June 11 to 14.
The team, called GRoboVines, earned its place at the international event after first competing in Athens and then advancing to the Greek National Finals in Thessaloniki. There, the students secured the opportunity to represent Greece at the competition in the United States.
Greek students link first Lego League project to archaeology
In recent months, the students have worked on robot missions while developing an innovation project linked to archaeology. Their idea focuses on a flexible robot inspired by nature. The robot aims to move through sensitive and difficult-to-reach spaces, a concept with clear relevance to archaeological sites, where access can be limited and fragile remains require careful handling.
According to the team’s project description, the students envision a robot capable of navigating ancient ruins with precision, accessing areas that may be hazardous or inaccessible to humans while preserving the integrity of the surrounding environment. As a result, the project bridges robotics and cultural heritage, demonstrating how technology can address real-world challenges in archaeology, preservation, and exploration.
From Athens to Thessaloniki and Massachusetts
GRoboVines began its competition journey at a qualifying round in Athens. After advancing to the national stage, the team competed at the Greek finals in Thessaloniki, where it secured a place at the world event in Massachusetts.
At the same time, the students have continued preparing for the robotics missions that constitute a central component of the FIRST LEGO League competition. Their robot underwent extensive testing on a simulated competition field, where teams are required to complete a series of tasks within a strict time limit.
That process demanded repeated trials, technical refinements, collaboration, and sustained problem-solving. Through each attempt, the students worked to enhance the robot’s performance in preparation for the international contest.
Fundraising campaign launched for Massachusetts trip
The Parents’ Association of the 3rd Primary School of Heraklion has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover part of the team’s travel and participation expenses for the trip to Massachusetts.
The students are seeking support from individuals, organizations, sponsors, and potential partners interested in helping the team participate in the international competition.
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