Highlander Robotics traveled to San Francisco the weekend of March 22 with their new robot “Kelpie” for their second tournament of the season. After finishing second out of 41 teams in qualification rounds with a 10-1 record, they went 3-1 during the double elimination playoffs to challenge the first seed alliance captained by BREAD from Redwood Shores, currently ranked third in the world. They lost two straight in the best of three finals to finish second overall.
In judged awards, the Highlanders won in Industrial Design. Judges noted the elegant structure and appearance, high performance on the field, and the functional and attractive use of LEDs to support the driver from across the field.
16” kickballs are scored in a net 8ft 5in tall. 
Kelpie (8033) climbs alongside partner Aragon Robotics (840) in the last moments of a match.
The team will compete in their final regional tournament on April 5 and 6 at Berkeley High School before traveling to Houston, TX for the World Championship. The Berkeley event is free and open to the public and the community is encouraged to come cheer them on. Closed toed shoes are recommended. (Get details HERE.)
Kelpie was operated by Vaughn Khouri and Max Seiden and supported by drive coach Cassie Colby, technician Caetano de Figueiredo, and human player Justin Green.
Highlander Robotics was founded in 2019 by brothers Henry and Charlie Lambert and is composed of 55 students from 17 high schools around the area. They work from the Mary G. Ross Engineering Lab at Piedmont High School. Learn more about the team HERE.