Arkansas Tech University advanced through the qualification stage to reach the elimination round at the 2024 VEX U Robotics World Championship and complete the 2023-24 robotics season with a top-4 global ranking.

The world championship was contested April 28-30 at Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

Arkansas Tech went 8-1 in its qualification matches to earn a No. 10 seed in head-to-head, elimination competition. ATU drew Purdue University as its opponent.

“We knew it was going to be a very tough match because Purdue has been a huge name in VEX robotics for a while,” said Jacob Weidenfeller, ATU engineering faculty member and advisor for the ATU robotics club. “We played the best match we have ever played, not just from this weekend, but from any tournament this and last season as well. Our autonomous period played out how we wanted it to, and our driver period was the best driver execution we’ve ever done.”

In the end, Purdue won the match and went on to earn the world championship.

“Immediately after the match against Purdue, knowing we lost the match, there were instant smiles and laughs from us because there was nothing to be upset about,” said Weidenfeller. “We will keep improving and demonstrating what ATU students are capable of.”

Arkansas Tech finished sixth in the world in the VEX U skills competition and completed the 2023-24 season with a top-4 global ranking for VEX U robotics based upon its performance throughout the academic year.

ATU was represented at the 2024 VEX U World Championship by Preston Diehl of Conway, Collin Easterling of Hope, Juan Leon of Hope, Hunter Mathis of Hope, Ryan Nanthalangsy of East End, Chris Osborne of Bryant, Everett Otis of Conway and Braden Pierce of Bryant.

Membership in the ATU robotics club is open to all students regardless of major.

Current or prospective Arkansas Tech students seeking more information about the ATU robotics club may send e-mail to jweidenfeller@atu.edu.