The Kilby Laboratory School robotics team returned from the world stage with hardware in hand after earning the Energy Award at the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri.
Known as the “Load and Link Lions” the Kilby team competed against 81 teams in its division and stood out not only for its technical performance, but for its enthusiasm and teamwork.
“I am very proud and impressed by our robotics team at Kilby,” said Dr. Eric Kirkman, director of the UNA-affiliated laboratory school. “This year was special in that this was not only our fourth time in a row qualifying for VEX Worlds competition, but this was the first time the event took place in St. Louis, Missouri.”
The VEX Robotics World Championship is one of the largest student robotics competitions in the world. It draws more than 850 teams representing over 60 countries. Kilby was one of only 12 teams from Alabama selected to compete.
The elementary division competition featured several categories, including a Teamwork Challenge, Driving Skills, and Autonomous Coding Skills. According to UNA, Kilby finished the first day ranked first in its division before ultimately earning the Energy Award from the Technology Division at the close of the event.
The award recognizes the team that best demonstrates enthusiasm, collaboration, and positive interaction with fellow competitors and fans.
“Competing at VEX Worlds and winning the Energy Award was a great honor and experience for our students and their parents,” Kirkman said. “They represented the State of Alabama very well.”
The Kilby Robotics team has now qualified for the world championship four consecutive years. The school, located on UNA’s campus, has increasingly emphasized STEM education and competitive robotics as part of its academic goals.
For Kilby students, the event offered more than competition. It provided the opportunity to represent Alabama and compete alongside some of the top young robotics teams in the world, and bringing home an award made it that much sweeter.
