#Congrats | BAers Win Gold at the VEX U.S. Open
On March 19, 2026, the VEX U.S. Open concluded in Omaha, USA. BAID's team won gold in the high school division of the 2026 CREATE U.S. Open Robotics Tournament—VEX V5 Robotics Competition (V5RC). Effective tactics and determined teamwork helped them succeed against strong international competitors.
International Competition
Beijing Academy's Team Competes Abroad
Organized by the CREATE Foundation, the VEX U.S. Open is a major invitational tournament for leading teams worldwide. It is among the largest and most influential youth robotics competitions. The school highlighted its technical demands and competitive standard, noting recognition from top universities including MIT and Stanford.
Four BAID students represented the school: Jiang Bohan and Gao Youcheng, Shen Junran and Fu Weisong.
Entry to the VEX U.S. Open is highly competitive, with teams earning places through strong performances in domestic events. Facing leading teams from around the world, the Beijing Academy students maintained their composure and won through precise tactical execution and reliable engineering.
Preparing for a New Challenge
From Winter Training to the U.S. Open
This was the team members' first VEX competition in the United States. Tactics and strategic decisions differed considerably from domestic competitions, and many situations on the field were more unpredictable than they had expected.
Their preparation involved months of dedicated work. During the winter break, they completed two intensive training sessions, committing their free time to the project. They refined the chassis and improved the robotic arm, working carefully on the code and mechanical components.
Student Reflections
Creativity and Friendship
Fu Weisong reflected on the competitors' originality:
"What impressed me most was the teams' originality. They had designed and assembled their own robots, with remarkably varied structures and imaginative ideas. Seeing them helped us appreciate the possibilities of human creativity."
The atmosphere also gave the students fond memories. Fu recalled that competitors discussed tactics actively and, after each match, exchanged fist bumps and said "Good Game" regardless of the result. Respect in victory and resilience after defeat encouraged friendships across countries and open exchanges.
Fu also emphasized teamwork: "The strength of our team was essential, and it was what I valued most." When the robot malfunctioned, all four members responded with clear responsibilities. They revised the code and checked its operation, while replacing components as needed. Their coordination was central to their success.
A Teacher's Reflection
Recognizing Students' Development
Robotics teacher Zhao Tengren praised the students' adaptability and ability to communicate internationally in an unfamiliar competitive and cultural environment.
"I am especially pleased to see how they developed and deepened their understanding through the competition," said Teacher Zhao. "Everyone worked hard and kept the team in mind. I hope they continue pursuing their love of science. I look forward to what they achieve next."
Congratulations to Jiang Bohan and Gao Youcheng, Shen Junran and Fu Weisong on completing a successful competition season. We look forward to their continued scientific exploration and further opportunities to compete internationally.