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Lincoln High's Cyber Bears Gear Up for State Robotics Competition

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/2 .. ears-gear-up-for-state-robotics-competition.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, January 26th 2026 at 21:11 GMT by Lincoln Journal Star
      Locales: Nebraska, UNITED STATES

By Anya Sharma, Lincoln Journal Star

Lincoln High School's robotics team, The Cyber Bears, are entering the final stretch of preparation for the Nebraska State Robotics Competition, a pivotal event showcasing the ingenuity and engineering talent of young Nebraskans. The team's dedication and innovative spirit are palpable as they refine their robot, affectionately nicknamed 'B.E.A.R.' (Bot for Engineering and Advanced Robotics), ahead of the competition on February 29th at the Grand Island State Fairgrounds.

The Nebraska State Robotics Competition isn't simply about building a robot; it's a rigorous test of problem-solving, teamwork, and advanced engineering principles. Teams are presented with a complex challenge that demands innovative solutions and meticulous execution, requiring not only robotic expertise but also strong communication and collaborative skills. This year's challenge remains undisclosed, designed to level the playing field and encourage creative approaches.

"We're constantly tweaking and adjusting," explains Emma Schmidt, the team captain and a junior at Lincoln High. "It's a process of continual improvement, adapting to unexpected issues, and learning from every test run. The design isn't static; it evolves with each iteration." This iterative design process reflects the core principles of engineering, emphasizing adaptability and the importance of learning from failure.

The Cyber Bears represent a significant investment of time and energy from 20 students, all driven by a passion for robotics and a desire to excel. Guiding their efforts is Sarah Miller, the team's teacher and mentor, who provides valuable expertise and support. Miller emphasizes the importance of the competition extending beyond the technical aspects, fostering leadership skills, and promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education within the school and community.

However, the team's ambitious goals face a practical hurdle: funding. Building and maintaining a competitive robot, along with the logistical expenses of travel to Grand Island, places a considerable strain on the team's budget. Recognizing this, the Cyber Bears proactively launched a GoFundMe campaign to seek community support. The funds raised will be crucial for acquiring essential replacement parts - robotics can be a destructive sport! - and for offsetting the cost of transportation and lodging for the team during the competition.

"Every little bit helps," Schmidt stated. "Even a small donation can make a big difference in allowing us to reach our full potential and represent Lincoln High School with pride." The GoFundMe campaign highlights the challenges often faced by school robotics programs, who frequently rely on fundraising and community support to sustain their activities. This year, the team is aiming to secure funding for not only core robot components, but also specialized sensors and programming tools, hoping to give them a competitive edge.

The Nebraska State Robotics Competition promises to be a thrilling showcase of young talent and ingenuity. The Cyber Bears' commitment, combined with the unwavering support of their mentor and the community, positions them as strong contenders. Their journey, from initial design to final competition, exemplifies the power of STEM education to inspire creativity, cultivate problem-solving skills, and foster a sense of teamwork - all crucial elements for success in the 21st century.