Team ASAP Robotics after winning provincials recently. (Image Credit: Supplied)

By LNN Staff

March 26 Fundraiser

Raymond’s Team ASAP Robotics qualifies for World Championship for second year in a row

Mar 18, 2026 | 4:21 PM

Team ASAP Robotics, a community-based FIRST Tech Challenge team made up of eight students in grades 9–12, has qualified for the FIRST Tech Challenge World Championship for the second consecutive year after winning first place at the Alberta Provincial Championship.

Video of the final match from provincials. Team red 22029:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17Rmxk6HFy/ 

In addition to earning their place at Worlds, officials say the team was awarded the prestigious Inspire Award, the highest honor in the FIRST Tech Challenge. Officials further point out, the award recognizes teams that demonstrate excellence in engineering design, innovation, teamwork, and community outreach, and represent the very best of the program.

Officials say what sets Team ASAP Robotics apart is the level of ownership the students take in the technical work. While supported by coaches Mike and Katie Larson, officials say its the students themselves that are responsible for designing, building, and programming the robot. This hands-on approach gives them real-world experience in engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork, note program officials.

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(Image Credit: Supplied)

Team officials says they meet and practices out of a family basement in Raymond, where countless hours are spent testing, refining, and improving their robot throughout the season.

This year’s FIRST Tech Challenge game is called DECODE, and it focuses on collecting, sorting, and scoring colored game pieces to create specific patterns.

According to team officials, their robot is designed to pick up 5-inch balls (called artifacts) from the field and shoot them into scoring goals. Inside the goals, the pieces are arranged into patterns, and creating the correct patterns unlocks bonus points and additional scoring opportunities.

At the start of each match, officials say the robot runs an autonomous program where it uses sensors and cameras to read a randomized field element and begin building a pattern on its own. After that, the drivers take control and the robot continuously collects and scores game pieces as quickly and accurately as possible.

In the final part of the match, teams work to complete patterns for extra points and coordinate with their alliance partner to finish in a scoring position.

Offcials say the challenge requires a combination of speed, precision, and strategy, along with strong teamwork between alliance partners.

Team ASAP Robotics is now preparing to compete against top teams from around the world at the upcoming World Championship in Houston, Texas, from April 29-May 2, where approximately 336 teams from over 60 countries are expected to gather to compete and collaborate.

Now in their fourth year, officials say the team continues to grow in both skill and impact, proving that world-class innovation can come from small-town communities with big dedication.

“Robotics is the ultimate team sport for the mind. These students have shown incredible dedication, turning early ideas into a worlds-ready robot while growing in confidence, teamwork, and leadership,” said Coach Katie Larson, in a press release.

As the team prepares for the international competition, team officials say they are actively raising funds to help cover travel, registration, and equipment costs. They add, community support plays a vital role in making the opportunity possible.

A local fundraising event will be held on March 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Raymond High School, featuring native dancing and local talent, along with a silent auction, bake sale, and chili and fry bread available for purchase.

Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring Team ASAP Robotics or contributing to their journey to Worlds can contact the team directly at team.asap.robotics@gmail.com. Donations can also be sent via e-transfer to the same email address.