When Arya Sasikumar first stepped into the world of robotics as a fifth grader, he had no idea the journey ahead would shape not only his academic path but also his vision for the future. Today, as a senior at the University of California, Berkeley, he’s seen firsthand how robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are converging into what he calls “one of the most exciting frontiers students can explore.”
For Arya, the story began in 2016 when his team discovered robotics. What stood out wasn’t just the engineering sophistication, but the emphasis on resilience, communication, and collaboration. That foundation ultimately led his high school team to become early adopters of the VEX Robotics AI Competition, a program he believes represents “the future of robotics education.”
Arya describes the VEX Robotics AI Competition, overseen by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF), as years ahead of its time. Through the program, students learn to build fully autonomous robots capable of a variety of impressive feats, including detecting and tracking 3D objects, planning dynamic paths in constantly changing environments, and using AI models similar to those powering autonomous vehicles. “These are the same technologies used by Tesla, Rivian, and the companies building the next era of mobility,” Arya emphasized.
Just as important, students develop cognitive and interpersonal skills, systems thinking, and the ability to communicate clearly under pressure and adapt quickly when a plan changes mid-match. Robotics, he says, is “the most interdisciplinary subject you can imagine. Whether you love coding, hardware, business, design, or project strategy, there is a place for everyone on a robotics team.”
Unlike traditional driver-controlled robotics competitions, VEX Robotics AI Competitions empower students to build systems that “think on their own.”
In a two-minute, fully autonomous match, robots must make split-second decisions in an unpredictable environment—objects move, opponents interfere, and strategies shift. “It’s like building a miniature self-driving car,” Arya said. “But instead of just avoiding obstacles, the robot also has to decide the best scoring strategy in real time.”
This problem-solving complexity is exactly what students will face in advanced research labs, top-tier engineering programs, and today’s in-demand technology companies. It’s also why the program has been an invaluable stepping stone in their career paths for Arya and his peers. “Nearly everyone I grew up competing with has gone on to major in engineering or computer science, launch startups, or enter industry with a huge advantage. Robotics helps you figure out what you’re good at and how to communicate that to others.”
Not every student starts robotics with confidence. Many feel overwhelmed by the technical complexity. Arya gets it and says, “You don’t need to be a specialist to join. Robotics is the best place to figure out what you like. You get exposure to electrical engineering, mechanical design, coding, business, strategy, and communications. There’s a role for everyone.”
As AI becomes a necessary part of education and the workforce, Arya sees robotics as one of the most important experiences young people can have. “The world is changing fast. A year ago, people were hesitant about AI. Today, embracing it isn’t optional; it’s essential. Robotics gives students the technical and human skills they need to thrive.”
At the intersection of AI and robotics, students just don’t learn about the future; they build it.
