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Inspiration All Star

Dr. Johan Potgieter

About
STEM Hall of Fame profile picture for Dr. Johan Potgieter inducted in 2009.

With expertise in applied robotics, agriculture, medical, and automotive sectors, Dr. Johan Potgieter has a strong engineering foundation supported by a BSc, MSc, and PhD from the University of Natal, South Africa. His research contributions, published in international journals and conferences, highlight his commitment to advancing the field.

Throughout his career in robotics, IoT, and 3D printing, Dr. Potgieter has consistently driven innovation. As a co-leader of the Robotics Spearhead, he has led research initiatives that transform cutting-edge technology into commercial success.

Passionate about bridging academic research with real-world applications, he has played a key role in New Zealand’s research community. His contributions were recognized with the Researcher Entrepreneur Award at the KiwiNet Research Commercialization Awards 2021, celebrating his success in translating research into impactful solutions. He has been an avid user of additive manufacturing since the mid-90s and is passionate about the potential it offers for innovation and how it allows small businesses to much more easily reach the world market.

Dr. Potgieter received the Volunteer of the Year at the 2009 VEX Robotics World Championship.

Details

Wisdom: Being able to help young people achieve their goals is so rewarding. How could I not get involved? As an engineering professor, I live for STEM, and seek to share my interest with others.
Award: Volunteer of the Year
Year: 2009
Title: Professor of Robotics
Organization: Massey University Agri Partnership Research Centre
Location: New Zealand
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2025-2026 Signature Event Updates

  1. An Event Partner wanting to apply to host a Signature Event must have hosted events for at least 2 seasons prior to applying. 
  2. Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
  3. When hanging field skirts the VEX Robotics logo/brand name can not be covered up on the competition fields.
  4. VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Events may have regional capacity and max per organization restrictions lifted 8 weeks before the event if the event is not full (similar to the process already in place for VEX IQ Robotics Competition Signature Events).
  5. Minimum pit size reduced to 8’x 8’ instead of 10’x10’.
  6. Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, the REC Foundation will collect $10 instead of $5 per team registration on all Signature Events. This is to help offset travel costs for REC Foundation staff to support these larger events.

2025-2026 Signature Event Application Reminders

  1. Existing Signature Events only need to complete the Final Application (due by March 31, 2025)
  2. New Signature Event concepts will need to complete the Initial Proposal by January 31, 2025 and if approved, complete the Final Application by March 31, 2025.
Crowd watches the Signature Event in Minnesota's Mall of America
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Robot Shipping Option
Freeman is our shipping partner for the VEX Robotics World Championship. Teams choosing to ship should ensure that their robots arrive on or AFTER May 5, 2025 to the Kay…
Judges observe participants at VEX Robotics World Championship
Volunteer | VEX Robotics World Championship
WE NEED PASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU TO POWER THE VEX ROBOTICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! Whether you participate solo or with a group of friends, family, or coworkers, you’ll make a huge…