ECA Insights | 玩转VEX机器人，看热爱如何赋能这群少年的成长

在佛山暨大港澳子弟学校，VEX机器人课程并不是“为比赛而存在”的短期训练，而是一条从ECA课堂、赛场舞台再到学生全人发展的长期成长路径步。学生在不同年级、不同阶段进入这一学习体系，在反复尝试中逐渐找到方向。

“其实刚开始接触VEX机器人时，我只是抱着试一试的心态，之前完全没有相关基础。”S1B班的陈卓瀚回忆道。随着课程的深入及参赛次数增加，他承担起搭建与维修的任务，也逐渐在团队中找到自己的位置。

而对S5G班的杨卓桥来说，这条路开始得更早。“我从小学就接触VEX，到现在已经八年了。”他亲眼见证了自己探索这条道路的变化。在他看来，真正的转折点并不是某一场比赛，而是意识到“这已经不只是玩机器人，而是一件需要长期投入和不断精进的事情”。

▲杨卓桥同学独自上阵2025第十六届VEX亚洲机器人锦标赛中国选拔赛华南区赛，斩获联赛亚军及一等奖

正是这样不同起点、不同节奏的学生，在同一套课程与训练体系中逐渐汇聚，形成了一支支能够稳定参赛、彼此信任的队伍，也为走向港澳及国际赛场奠定了基础。

赛场上短短几分钟的对抗，背后往往是一个月甚至更长时间的准备。

“我们通常会先复盘上一场比赛的问题。”比如吸球速度不够、结构不稳定、操作路径不顺畅等，都会被记录下来，作为下一轮设计的起点。随后，团队会在纸上或软件中完成概念草图，讨论是否可行。

真正进入制作阶段后，挑战才开始。材料需要按照精确尺寸切割，结构稍有偏差，就可能导致整体失衡。组装完成后，还要不断进行程序调试与实地测试。

“程序是最难一次调到完美的。”杨卓桥表示，新赛季规则通常不允许在赛场内临时调试程序，这意味着所有潜在问题都必须在赛前尽可能解决。为了保证稳定性，同学们常常需要反复测试同一个动作，只为减少一次比赛中的不确定因素。

黎教练带领同学们进行了一次又一次的机器迭代，“第三代机器人轻量化设计与灵活底盘使其在赛场上移动迅速，能有效躲避对手防守并快速得分。虽然这款机器人虽未完美，但满载学生的心血与智慧，彰显了他们的创新能力与团队协作精神。”

真正站上赛场，大家面对的，是高度依赖团队协作的竞技环境。一场比赛通常会有主操、副操、编程手、计时手、指挥，还有负责维修的角色等等。每个人都要清楚自己的职责，否则很容易在关键时刻出现混乱。

赛前，队伍需要花大量时间沟通战术。他们不仅要研究自身机型的特点，还要充分了解联队的优势与短板。比如对方倒球速度慢，就会提前商量好由谁来完成放置，这样整体效率会更高。

作为中学VEX机器人队伍里唯一的女生，S4A班的陈丽祺承担着连接全场的指挥角色。“赛场局势变化非常快，我必须一直盯着比赛动态，随时根据变化做出判断，并及时和操作手沟通。”她提到，很多时候并不存在绝对正确的选择，指挥需要在有限时间内做出相对最优的判断。

在一次次比赛中，同学们逐渐理解，真正的协作并不是“各做各的”，而是愿意为团队整体效果不断调整自己的角色与预期。

比赛的每一段经历，都是同学们成长路上的珍贵回忆，让他们在热爱中感悟成长的真谛。

在操控岗位上，S5A班的何世豪就曾经历过瓶颈期。“操控能力最重要的就是熟练度，只能靠大量训练。”他提到，紧张情绪会直接影响操作稳定性，因此赛后往往需要针对容易失误的动作进行重复练习，同时持续观察场上动态，并快速思考下一步的最优解，以最有效的方式操控机器应对变化。

而其他岗位，挑战同样真实。负责维修的陈卓瀚分享道，比赛中常会遇到材料不匹配、零件装错等情况，“很多时候只能全部拆开，从头再来，非常考验耐心和细心”。

在高强度赛事环境中，大家不被一次失误击垮，而是迅速调整状态，继续投入下一轮比赛。这种在压力中形成的冷静与韧性，正是STEM工程学习中极为重要的一部分。

陈丽祺回忆，在CREATE巅峰盛典2024-2025美公赛嘉年华，学校队伍排名身处绝境，但没有人选择放弃。在教练的鼓励下，大家主动出击，一次次联系其他队伍寻求联队合作，最终与一支拥有世锦赛经验的香港队伍达成合作。两队并肩作战，凭借默契的配合、精准的操作和灵活的战术，一路过关斩将，最终逆袭夺得冠军。

这场比赛，更让他们看到了优秀团队的精神。何世豪表示，香港队员们一点点迭代设计、优化结构，白天上课、晚上钻研，这份对科技的热爱与执着，深深感染着他。同时，大家也获得了深厚的友谊。

而VEX亚洲机器人公开赛·总决赛的遗憾，也依然让同学们收获了满满的成长。他们看到了更优秀的机器设计与战术打法，更学会了在逆风局中调整心态，懂得了赛前充分准备、趁早寻找联队、注重机型互补的重要性。每一次的赛场经历，无论成败，都成为学生们成长路上的养分，让他们在热爱的道路上，走得更稳、更远。

▲黎教练带领同学们复盘2025-2026 VEX 亚洲机器人公开赛·总决赛

在黎教练看来，学习何备赛过程中最考验学生的，是综合能力与心理素质。“学生不仅要掌握机器操作和维修，还要学会联队沟通、赛场应变，以及在压力下保持稳定。”因此，在训练与比赛中，教师更多扮演的是引导者与支持者的角色——不直接给答案，而是引导学生自己分析问题、寻找解决方案。

在赛场上，他同样关注学生的心理状态，针对不同性格的学生，给予差异化的引导与支持，让每个人都能在团队中找到适合自己的成长方式。

而学生的成长，也往往在这真实发生的瞬间里发生，并令人无比欣慰。

黎教练印象深刻的一位学生，在刚加入社团时对VEX机器人项目一窍不通。但他凭借自己外向阳光的性格主动与对手、队友交流，向他人请教。并且靠自己的努力在课堂中逐渐了解VEX机器人，掌握机器人技能，学习比赛流程。从最初需要他人指导，到能独立带领团队参赛，再到传授经验给师弟，他的成长令人瞩目，充分展现了学生在社团中的无限潜力与成长空间。

而另一位带教的吴老师则对S1B班黄梓烨同学同样印象深刻。刚加入团队时，他并没有很在状态，但变化也在慢慢发生。随着一次次比赛历练，他开始主动承担起更多责任：赛前行程会提前报备，团队物资会主动帮忙搬运，临时事务也会第一时间与老师沟通。“现在，队友们对他的评价发生了很大变化，大家都说他变得非常有责任感，也很暖心。”

对教师而言，这些转变比任何奖项都更令人欣慰。“看到他们一点一点成长，我们看在眼里，也真的会感到骄傲。”

正是这种长期、细致而克制的陪伴，让学生在一次次真实挑战中，逐渐成长为能够为团队负责、也能为自己负责的人。

VEX机器人课程是佛山暨大港澳子弟学校培育青少年科技素养的重要窗口，打造出湾区学子探索科技世界、实现自我成长的优质平台。

“我们通过实际操作，鼓励学生在机器人设计和比赛过程中大胆尝试新思路、新方法，培养他们的创新能力。”黎教练表示。这些能力可以伴随一生，使他们在未来学业和工作中更具竞争力。同时，也希望同学们能通过对VEX机器人的热情投入，主动去改善一些自身存在的不足和不良习惯，从而实现更全面的个人成长。

对学生而言，每场比赛都是一次全新的体验，都让他们意识到自身的优势与不足。“参与比赛能让我看到很多优秀的机器设计，也学到不少战术思路。”何世豪在赛后复盘时坦言，真正的收获，往往来自对差距的清醒认知。

回到校园，再回看VEX机器人课程，它所承载的价值，早已超越学术本身。在这里，学生学会的不只是工程与编程，更是如何面对复杂问题、如何在团队中承担责任、如何在失败后继续前行。

佛山暨大港澳子弟学校所重视的，正是这种面向未来的科技素养——让技术成为理解世界的工具，让成功与挫折成为认识自我的途径，也让每一次走向更大舞台的尝试，都成为学生成长道路上的重要一站。

At Foshan ASJ, the VEX Robotics program is not a short-term training “just for competitions.” Instead, it represents a long-term growth pathway—from ECA classrooms to competition stages, and ultimately to the holistic development of students.

Students at different grades and stages enter this system at their own pace, gradually finding their direction through repeated experimentation and hands-on experience.

“When I first started with VEX Robotics, I was really just giving it a try, with no prior experience at all,” recalled Chen Zhuohan from S1B. As the course progressed and he took part in more competitions, he began taking on responsibilities for building and maintenance, gradually finding his place within the team.

For Yang Zhuoqiao from S5G, however, this journey began much earlier. “I’ve been involved with VEX since primary school—eight years now.” From interest-based classes to the school team, and from personal passion to a sense of team responsibility, he has witnessed both his own growth and the evolution of the team. In his view, the true turning point was not a single competition, but the realization that “this is no longer just about playing with robots, but something that requires long-term commitment and continuous improvement.”

▲Yang Zhuoqiao competed independently in the South China Regional of the 2025 16th VEX Robotics Championship China, earning the League Runner-up title as well as a First Prize award.

It is precisely these students—starting from different points and progressing at different paces—who gradually come together within the same curriculum and training system, forming teams that can compete consistently and trust one another, and laying a solid foundation for participation in competitions across Hong Kong, Macao, and the international stage.

A few short minutes of competition on the field are often backed by a month—or even longer—of preparation.

“We usually start by reviewing the issues from the previous match.” Problems such as insufficient ball-intake speed, structural instability, or inefficient operating paths are carefully documented and used as the starting point for the next design iteration. The team then develops concept sketches on paper or in software and discusses their feasibility.

Once the build phase truly begins, the real challenges emerge. Materials must be cut to precise dimensions—any slight structural deviation can throw the entire system off balance. After assembly, the robot must undergo repeated programming adjustments and on-site testing.

“Programming is the hardest part to get right in one go,” said Yang Zhuoqiao. Under the new season’s rules, on-site program adjustments are usually not allowed during competitions, which means all potential issues must be identified and resolved as thoroughly as possible beforehand. To ensure reliability, students often test the same action again and again, simply to eliminate even a single source of uncertainty in competition.

Under the guidance of Coach Li, the students carried out iteration after iteration of their robots. “The third-generation robot features a lightweight design and a highly agile chassis, allowing it to move swiftly on the field, effectively evade opponents’ defenses, and score quickly. Although it is not yet perfect, the robot embodies the students’ dedication and ingenuity, showcasing their innovative thinking and strong sense of teamwork.”

When they truly step onto the competition field, the students find themselves in a highly team-dependent competitive environment. A single match typically involves roles such as primary driver, secondary driver, programmer, timekeeper, strategist, and members responsible for maintenance. Everyone must be clear about their responsibilities; otherwise, confusion can easily arise at critical moments.

Before a match, teams spend a great deal of time discussing strategy. They not only analyze the strengths and characteristics of their own robots, but also carefully assess the advantages and weaknesses of their alliance partners. For example, if a partner’s ball-handling speed is slower, the team will decide in advance who should take responsibility for placement, ensuring higher overall efficiency.

As the only female member of the middle school VEX Robotics team, Chen Liqi from S4A takes on the role of field commander, serving as the vital link across the entire team. “The situation on the field changes extremely fast. I have to keep my eyes on the match at all times, make judgments based on real-time developments, and communicate promptly with the drivers,” she explained. She added that there is often no single “absolutely correct” choice—effective command requires making the best possible decision within a limited amount of time.

Through competition after competition, the students gradually came to understand that true collaboration is not about “each person doing their own thing,” but about being willing to continuously adjust one’s role and expectations for the overall success of the team.

Every stage of competition becomes a treasured memory along the students’ growth journey, allowing them to discover the true meaning of growth through passion and commitment.

In the driver role, He Shihao from S5A experienced a period of stagnation. “The most important thing about driving is proficiency—it can only be built through extensive practice,” he shared. He noted that nervousness directly affects operational stability, so after each match he often repeats practice on error-prone maneuvers. At the same time, he continually observes the dynamics on the field and quickly thinks through the optimal next move, controlling the robot in the most efficient way to adapt to changing situations.

Challenges are just as real in other roles. Chen Zhuohan, who is responsible for maintenance, explained that competitions often bring unexpected issues such as mismatched materials or incorrectly installed parts. “Many times, the only solution is to take everything apart and start over from scratch—it really tests your patience and attention to detail.”

In the high-pressure environment of intense competitions, the students are not undone by a single mistake. Instead, they quickly reset, adjust their mindset, and refocus on the next round. This calmness and resilience forged under pressure are an essential part of STEM and engineering learning.

Chen Liqi recalled that during the CREATE Grand Finale 2024–2025 U.S. Open Carnival, the school team found itself in a dire position in the rankings, yet no one chose to give up. Encouraged by their coach, the students took the initiative, repeatedly reaching out to other teams in search of alliance opportunities. In the end, they formed a partnership with a Hong Kong team that had World Championship experience. Fighting side by side, the two teams advanced round after round through seamless coordination, precise execution, and flexible strategies, ultimately staging a remarkable comeback to claim the championship.

That competition also gave them a deeper understanding of what makes a truly outstanding team. He Shihao shared that the Hong Kong team members continuously iterated their designs and optimized structures—attending classes during the day and dedicating evenings to research and refinement. Their passion and perseverance for technology deeply inspired him. At the same time, lasting friendships were forged through the experience.

Even the disappointment at the VEX Asia Robotics Open · Grand Final became a powerful source of growth for the students. They were exposed to more advanced robot designs and strategic approaches, and learned how to adjust their mindset when facing adversity. They also came to understand the importance of thorough preparation before competitions, seeking alliance partners early, and ensuring complementary robot designs.

Every experience on the competition field—regardless of victory or defeat—has become nourishment along their journey of growth, enabling them to move forward with greater confidence and resilience on the path they love.

▲Coach Li led the students in a post-competition review of the 2025–2026 VEX Asia Robotics Open · Grand Final

In Coach Li’s view, what challenges students most during the learning and competition preparation process is their overall competence and psychological resilience. “Students not only need to master robot operation and maintenance, but also learn alliance communication, on-field adaptability, and how to remain composed under pressure.” For this reason, teachers play more of a guiding and supportive role during training and competitions—not providing ready-made answers, but encouraging students to analyze problems independently and find their own solutions.

On the competition field, he also pays close attention to students’ emotional and mental states, offering differentiated guidance and support tailored to each student’s personality, so that everyone can find a growth path that suits them within the team.

Students’ growth often unfolds in these very real moments, bringing a deep sense of fulfillment to those who witness it.

Coach Li recalled one student who knew almost nothing about VEX Robotics when he first joined the team. Yet with his outgoing and positive personality, he actively communicated with opponents and teammates alike, seeking advice and learning from others. Through his own efforts, he gradually gained an understanding of VEX robotics in class, mastered technical skills, and learned the competition process. From initially needing constant guidance, to independently leading a team in competitions, and eventually passing on his experience to younger teammates, his progress has been remarkable—fully demonstrating the vast potential and growth space students can find through club participation.

Another mentor, Coach Wu, was equally impressed by Huang Ziye from S1B. When he first joined the team, he was not fully engaged, but change came gradually. Through repeated competition experiences, he began to take on more responsibility: proactively reporting travel arrangements before events, helping transport team equipment, and communicating promptly with teachers about last-minute matters. “Now, the way his teammates see him has changed significantly,” Teacher Wu shared. “Everyone says he has become highly responsible and genuinely caring.”

For teachers, these transformations are far more rewarding than any trophy. “Seeing their growth step by step—something we all witness firsthand—truly fills us with pride.”

It is precisely this long-term, thoughtful, and measured guidance that allows students, through repeated real-world challenges, to gradually grow into individuals who can take responsibility for their teams as well as for themselves.

The VEX Robotics program serves as a vital window through which Foshan ASJ cultivates technological literacy among young learners, providing a high-quality platform for Greater Bay Area students to explore the world of technology and achieve personal growth.

“Through hands-on practice, we encourage students to boldly experiment with new ideas and approaches in robot design and competitions, fostering their innovative abilities,” said Coach Li. These skills can stay with them for a lifetime, making them more competitive in their future studies and careers. He also hopes that, through their deep engagement with VEX robotics, students will take the initiative to address personal weaknesses and unproductive habits, ultimately achieving more well-rounded development.

For students, every competition is a brand-new experience, helping them recognize both their strengths and areas for improvement. “Taking part in competitions allows me to see many outstanding robot designs and learn a great deal about strategy,” He Shihao admitted during a post-competition review. In his view, the most meaningful gains often come from a clear and honest awareness of the gaps that remain.

Back on campus, when viewed again, the value carried by the VEX Robotics program has long extended beyond academics alone. Here, students learn not only engineering and programming, but also how to tackle complex problems, take responsibility within a team, and keep moving forward after setbacks.

What Foshan Jinan University Affiliated School for Hong Kong & Macao Students truly values is this future-oriented technological literacy—where technology becomes a tool for understanding the world, success and failure become pathways to self-discovery, and every step onto a larger stage becomes a meaningful milestone in students’ journeys of growth.