On November 25, 2024, The Qubit Bot robotics team set aside their usual focus on coding and engineering to tackle a different kind of challenge—addressing food insecurity in their community. Team members, guided by their shared commitment to service, collected and donated over 100 pounds of food to the Central Texas Food Bank, bringing hope and sustenance to families in need during the holiday season.
A Community-Focused Mission
As a community-based robotics team, The Qubit Bot thrives on inclusivity and collaboration, both in competition and beyond. This outreach event, organized by team member Kylie, reinforced their belief that engineering principles and teamwork can extend far beyond robotics arenas to create real-world impacts. The event began with the team delivering the food donations they had worked hard to collect. Watching their efforts materialize into a tangible contribution was a powerful moment, made even more special as they witnessed their donation being weighed at over 100 pounds.
Behind the Scenes at the Food Bank
After presenting their donation, the team was led on an eye-opening tour of the Central Texas Food Bank by Ms. Ana Hernandez. The tour revealed the scale and precision of the food bank’s operations, from massive warehouses stacked with canned goods to freezing chambers filled with perishable items. The bustling activity of workers and volunteers sorting, transporting, and loading food resembled the coordinated teamwork the Qubit Bot members rely on in their robotics challenges.
The team learned that the food bank’s impact is staggering. With over 600 programs and partnerships spanning 21 counties, the Central Texas Food Bank distributed 54 million meals last year. From soup kitchens to after-school programs, their initiatives ensure that thousands of families receive the support they need.
The Intersection of STEM and Service
During the visit, the team shared their robotics journey with Ms. Hernandez, explaining the creative design and problem-solving processes behind their robot’s development. In turn, they gained insight into how the food bank’s logistical systems operate with the same efficiency and collaboration that drive their robotics competitions. This exchange highlighted the common ground between their seemingly distinct missions: optimizing systems to address challenges.
Ms. Hernandez also introduced the team to various ways the public can contribute, including volunteering, donating food, or providing monetary support. The team was especially inspired to hear about the impact of even small contributions, as donations are often tripled through matching programs.
“More Than Robots”
This visit underscored The Qubit Bot’s ethos of doing “more than robots.” Beyond building machines, the team’s efforts aim to inspire innovation and compassion. By participating in community service projects like this, they demonstrate how STEM skills can be a powerful tool for creating positive change.
As the team reflected on their experience, they expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the food bank’s mission. They left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to further integrating service into their team’s identity. For The Qubit Bot robotics team, solving problems—whether it’s designing a robot or addressing food insecurity—is always a team effort. Through this outreach, they not only made an impact on their community but also reinforced their values of empathy, collaboration, and innovation.
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