The Caribbean is steadily carving out its place in the global robotics landscape. From international competitions to grassroots projects, students and engineers across the region are demonstrating how creativity, resourcefulness, and diverse perspectives can drive technological progress.
Global Spotlight: FIRST Robotics Challenge
The FIRST Global Robotics Challenge has become a proving ground for young innovators worldwide. In 2025, the event was hosted in Panama City, drawing teams from 191 countries to tackle the theme Eco‑Equilibrium. The competition challenged participants to design robots capable of addressing sustainability issues, blending technical skill with problem‑solving and teamwork.
Caribbean teams have consistently impressed at this event. Jamaica, in particular, has invested heavily in robotics education, preparing students to compete on the world stage. Their 2025 team integrated the Robot Operating System (ROS) with sensors and actuators, enabling their robot to navigate complex tasks tied to environmental sustainability. This achievement reflects Jamaica’s broader commitment to STEM education and its growing reputation as a regional leader in robotics.
Grassroots Innovation: Trinidad & Bahamas
Beyond the global spotlight, robotics innovation is blossoming at the grassroots level. In Trinidad & Tobago, university students are reported to be working on mechatronics projects focused on high‑precision servomotor systems. While details remain emerging, such initiatives align with global trends in leveraging NVIDIA AI chips for advanced control algorithms. These chips, prized for their speed and efficiency, are helping researchers worldwide push the boundaries of robotics and automation.
Meanwhile, in the Bahamas, engineers and educators are experimenting with low‑cost microcontrollers like Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Their goal is to create affordable robotic platforms that schools and community organizations can use to introduce young people to hands‑on STEM learning. By embracing open‑source tools, these teams are rapidly prototyping and iterating, demonstrating how accessible technology can empower the next generation of innovators.
A Region on the Rise
Taken together, these efforts highlight a Caribbean robotics ecosystem that is both ambitious and inclusive. From Jamaica’s ROS‑powered competition robots to Trinidad’s servomotor research and the Bahamas’ microcontroller outreach, the region is cultivating a new generation of STEM leaders.
The Caribbean’s contributions underscore a broader truth: innovation thrives when diverse communities have access to tools, mentorship, and opportunities. As robotics continues to evolve globally, the region’s blend of international competition experience and grassroots ingenuity positions it to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of technology.
