Engineering students at Trine University have secured the prestigious Yokozuna (grand champion) title at this year’s National Robotics Challenge in Marion, Ohio, demonstrating the university’s excellence in applied technology education and hands-on learning. 

Engineering triumph in sumo robot division

The winning team comprised computer engineering and electrical engineering students Malachi Henry, Philip Burney, and Logan Martin, who outperformed competitors in the challenging Sumo Robot competition. Their autonomous, self-propelled robot successfully forced opposing robots outside the competition ring, finishing with an impressive 5-1 record against teams from across the eastern United States.

Technology skills prevail despite challenges

While facing opponents with mechanically sophisticated and expensive robots, the Trine team’s superior programming abilities proved decisive. The students’ software expertise, developed through Trine’s rigorous engineering curriculum, enabled them to overcome mechanical disadvantages through strategic adaptations during the competition. “It was really amazing to see our hard work pay off. And not just the work we did this year, but the hours I’ve put in over the last four years,” said Henry, a computer engineering major. “It was also fun to see how I stack up against other engineers, and it just confirms to me that I made the right choice choosing Trine.”

Applied learning opportunities

The team spent months designing, building, and fine-tuning their robot, including three weeks of early-morning testing sessions in Hershey Hall before classes and sports team practices began. This project provided valuable real-world application experience in autonomous systems development—technology increasingly important in industries from automotive to aerospace. Trine University also fielded a team in the Combat Robot division, giving mechanical engineering students hands-on experience with complex design challenges.

This national recognition highlights the emphasis Trine University puts on providing students with competitive, real-world learning experiences. Ready to develop cutting-edge engineering skills? Contact the admissions team today to learn about enrollment opportunities in Trine’s nationally recognised engineering programmes.