4-H robotics teams make waves

Weston County’s 4-H robotics teams recently put their engineering and problem-solving skills to the test at the 2025 Wyoming 4-H Showcase Showdown, held at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Competing in the Jr. Agrobotics contest, local youth tackled this year’s exciting theme, “Coastal Cultivators,” which focused on the intersection of robotics, agriculture and coastal ecosystems.

Showcase Showdown is one of the largest statewide 4-H events, offering youth opportunities to explore a variety of industries through contests, workshops, tours and interactive activities over three fun-filled days. In addition to competitions, participants enjoyed a dance, ice cream socials, games and
an awards ceremony recognizing youth for their accomplishments.

The AgRobotics contest is a hands-on competition where teams design, build and program a LEGO robot to autonomously complete a series of agriculture-themed challenges. Teams strategize how to earn the most points by launching their robot from a designated home base and programming it to complete tasks in a timed match. Judges also evaluate each team on collaboration and technical understanding during a one-on-one interview.

This year’s theme of Coastal Cultivators invited teams to explore real-world challenges in coastal agriculture and aquaculture. Tasks included “Navigating the Sea,” “Desalination Pipeline Replacement,” “Feed the World Etouffee,” “Turn the Valve,” “Sea Turtle Rescue” and more — each designed to inspire innovation and highlight the role of robotics in sustainable food systems.

“These 4-H members are learning much more than robotics,” Weston County 4-H Educator Erin Persche said. “They’re gaining experience in collaboration, critical thinking and real-world problem solving — skills that will serve them far beyond this competition.”