Stories from the Campus: Kinetic Knights bring home multiple medals

The hum of power tools and the buzz of teamwork filled the NII Advance Technology Campus as the Kinetic Knights (FIRST Robotics Team 781) took full advantage of the space this winter to fine-tune their robot before heading into competition season.

The Kinetic Knights Team 781 is a community youth robotics organization open to young people in Kincardine. For these 25 students aged 13-19, this practice time at the Campus was crucial.

And the team’s preparation paid off in a big way.

Robotic reef restoration

In March, the Kinetic Knights emerged as finalists at the Ontario District Robotics Competition in Scarborough. The event, hosted at Centennial College, saw 29 teams take on this year’s FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition challenge, “Reefscape”. Teams designed and programmed robots to place coral on a reef, remove algae, and throw it into a barge before scaling a cage in the final moments of the match.

Credit: FRC Team 781 - Kinetic Knights

Throughout the competition, Team 781 showcased their skills, working through mechanical setbacks, unpredictable alliances, and even a dramatic moment when their robot was knocked onto its side. Yet with each challenge, the Kinetic Knights adapted and pushed forward. After a series of tough matches, they finished as event finalists—their highest achievement since returning to competition post-pandemic!

Beyond their finalist finish, the Kinetic Knights also took home the Autonomous Award, recognizing their robot’s exceptional ability to operate independently during the first 15 seconds of a match.

“For the students of Team 781, robotics is more than a competition: it’s an opportunity to develop critical thinking, teamwork and leadership skills in a hands-on environment,” says mentor David Dadson.

Gearing up for future challenges

After qualifying to attend the FIRST World Championships during last week’s District Championship in Mississauga—where they won the “Rising All-Star Award”—the Kinetic Knights are doubling down on their preparations.

Having access to the large spaces available at the NII Advance Technology Campus has been a game-changer—at the Campus, they have room to experiment, troubleshoot and improve their robot’s performance before heading into competition.

Says Stellina Williams, NII Vice President and CAO, “We’re pleased to offer the NII Advance Technology Campus to the Kinetic Knights on their team’s competition journey—a space where innovation and ambition collide.”

With a local facility designed to foster technological growth, the Kinetic Knights are proving that with the right support, the next generation of engineers and innovators thrive right here in the Clean Energy Frontier region.

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