MySTEM Academy 2026 Programs
Robotics Teams
2025-2026 FLL Robotics Team
FLL Robotics Team Bots N’at earned the prestigious 1st Place Robot Design Award at the Western PA competition on December 13, 2025, after finishing in the top 5 of the Robot Game. The team went on to compete at the Pennsylvania State Championship on February 14, 2026, where they received the Innovation Project Award and qualified to represent Pennsylvania at the Georgia Invitational on June 6–7, 2026.
Team Bots N’at created a wearable AI camera system that helps archaeologists spot artifacts on the ground while keeping their heads up, significantly reducing the risk of trips, bumps, and other hazards encountered in the field. The device integrates a Raspberry Pi, a custom-trained AI model using hundreds of artifact images, and haptic alerts on a wearable band, allowing archaeologists to safely and efficiently locate important artifacts while navigating complex outdoor environments.
2025-2026 FLL Robotics Teams
MySTEM Academy’s Pittsburgh π-Rates team won 1st Place Champions at the Western PA competition on December 13, 2025, after achieving the highest score in the Robot Game. The team also earned 3rd Place Champions at the Pennsylvania State Championship on February 14, 2026, and will advance to compete at the Western Edge Invitational in Long Beach, CA, from May 28–30, 2026.
The team identified a real-world problem: archeological artifacts and expedition crews are vulnerable to heat, shock, and vibration. They designed the AWESOME Box, an innovative, low-cost transport system using layered padding, ultra-white paint, and sensors, iterated with expert feedback, and tested quantitatively to prove its effectiveness.
2025-2026 FLL Robotics Team
The middle school robotics team Steel City Sparks won 1st Place Innovation Project Award at the Western PA competition on December 13, 2025, and went on to compete at the Pennsylvania State Championship in February 2026, earning a spot to participate in the 5th annual American Robotics Invitational on June 6–7, 2026.
The Steel City Sparks developed a portable, motorized sifter to help archaeologists efficiently separate dirt from artifacts while reducing physical strain. Through expert interviews, field observations, and multiple design iterations, the team created a lightweight, durable, and adjustable device with removable screens, foldable legs, and a tool/artefact storage pouch. Their innovation transforms the traditionally labor-intensive sifting process into a faster, more precise, and user-friendly solution for real-world archaeological fieldwork.
Print 