Claremore, Oklahoma – Rogers State University’s RoboClaws robotics team brought home a proud second‑place finish at the VEXUausTINCANs Robotics Competition held on Oct. 24, 2026 in Austin, Texas. The achievement highlights the university’s commitment to hands‑on workforce development and underscores the talent of its cybersecurity students as they take on some of the state’s most renowned engineering programs.
Strong Showing Against Top Texas Universities
The RoboClaws faced off against teams from the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Texas at San Antonio and Texas A&M University. In the qualifying rounds, RSU defeated every opponent, demonstrating superior programming, problem‑solving and technical integration. The only setback came in the championship match, where Texas A&M edged out the RoboClaws for first place.
Team Leader Reflects on the Experience
“Competing against some of the top engineering universities in Texas and finishing second was an incredible experience for our team,” said Reece Dodson, president of the RoboClaws. “As cybersecurity students, we don’t necessarily have the same engineering background as many of the teams we compete against, but we’ve learned how to apply our programming, problem‑solving, and technical skills to robotics. Every competition challenges us to think differently, work together, and find solutions under pressure. While we were disappointed not to win the championship, we’re proud of what we accomplished and even more motivated for our next competition.”
Robotics Program Supports Workforce Development
The RoboClaws program is a key component of RSU’s broader workforce development strategy. By giving students real‑world experience in robotics, automation, programming and systems integration, the university prepares graduates for high‑growth industries across Oklahoma and the surrounding region. Faculty members note that participation in competitions like VEX helps bridge classroom theory with practical application, a critical step for students entering the modern tech job market.
Looking Ahead to the Next Challenge
The team will return to competition on Nov. 14, 2026 at the University of Kansas, where they aim to build on their recent success and contend for the top spot. RSU officials anticipate that the continued visibility of the RoboClaws will attract additional students to the cybersecurity and engineering pathways, further strengthening the university’s contribution to the state’s talent pipeline.
Local supporters and alumni have already begun planning a celebration for the RoboClaws’ achievement, recognizing the dedication of the students, faculty advisors and sponsors who made the journey possible. The second‑place finish not only brings pride to Rogers State University but also serves as an inspiring example for other Oklahoma colleges seeking to excel in STEM competitions.
Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
