Since his early days building Lego creations, junior Sayansh Gupta has demonstrated a passion for robotics and problem solving that has led him to the top of the competitive robotics world.
As a member of the Dublin Robotics team, Gupta has made an incredible mark, helping propel his team to a 16th place finish in the Maine Lobstah Bowl Signature Event, a national competition hosted in Orono, Maine from Sept. 12-14.
Gupta’s journey in robotics began at the age of eight when he first started building simple machines. By the time he was 13, he was competing in VEX Robotics competitions, first alongside older teammates and eventually taking on a leadership role within Dublin Robotics.
“I just seemed to enjoy the thrill of competitions and robotics,” Gupta said. “I wanted to continue it through high school. ”
Throughout his years with Dublin Robotics, Gupta has traveled to various parts of the country, including Iowa, Maine, and Ohio, to compete at both regional and national levels.
“It was a different experience because you get to see teams and people from all around the world,” Gupta said of his trips. “It was very exciting.”
VEX Robotics competitions require teams to build robots capable of performing specific tasks, such as manipulating disks and battling other robots. Teams compete in pairs to earn points and are judged on their performance.
As the competition evolves, teams must continuously innovate and adapt their designs to meet new challenges.
Gupta has been part of Dublin Robotics, which is a club outside of school, for six years, including three years of competing as an individual.
As the team captain, he takes on a central role as the primary builder, and he manages everything from robot construction to coding. His leadership extends beyond technical work as he also serves as the foundation for team communication and organization.
“My responsibilities are vast,” Gupta said. “I manage our alliances, keep track of what needs to be done, and ensure that everyone is working effectively and collaboratively.”
His teammates praise his leadership and contributions to the team’s success.
“Sayansh is our leader, and without him, most of us would have never gotten into robotics in the first place,” junior Hari Kathrani said. “It’s all thanks to him that our team is able to run so smoothly and compete at the national level.”
In 2018, Gupta recalls his first VEX regional competition, where he had a much smaller role and was “just there” on the team. The experience was nerve-wracking, but it marked the beginning of an incredible journey.
“I was very nervous and didn’t have much of an influence on my team back then,” Gupta said. “I was just there, learning and observing.”
Over time, Gupta’s confidence and leadership grew, transforming him into a respected figure within his team.
His evolving role also reflects his personal growth.
Through his experiences in robotics, Gupta has learned valuable lessons in problem solving, communication and perseverance.
“I think my biggest growth has come from managing responsibilities and overcoming obstacles,” Gupta said. “Robotics is about creativity and adaptability. It teaches you how to think outside the box and work under pressure.”
Junior Aritro Bhattacharjee, who has competed alongside Gupta for several years, highlights his ability to bring the team together and find creative solutions to complex problems.
“Sayansh is a really good leader,” Bhattacharjee said. “He helps the team collaborate and make sure everyone is in agreement.”
Gupta’s dedication to robotics is evident in every aspect of his work, from late night coding sessions to strategic planning meetings.
His commitment to his team is unwavering, and his teammates admire his drive.
“He’s super locked in,” junior Omkar Mahesh, a Dublin Robotics teammate, said. “He’s very hardworking and dedicated. You can see his passion for robotics in everything he does.”
Gupta’s Dublin Robotics coach Alex Colin, who has worked closely with Gupta throughout his career, agrees that his leadership has been key to the team’s success.
“I am proud of Sayansh and all his accomplishments,” Colin said. “He is grounded and is a positive motivator who encourages others to do their best. This is why he is able to do what he does both for himself and for the team.”
Gupta also likes to offer advice for those interested in robotics and machine learning, emphasizing the importance of starting simple and cultivating creativity.
“Start off simple,” Gupta advised. “If you haven’t noticed, a lot of the robots we build are very simple in design and don’t require overly complex components.”
He also stresses the importance of problem solving skills.
“The essence of robotics is creativity and imagination,” Gupta said, “Without these skills, you can’t truly thrive in competitions. You have to solve problems under pressure and think quickly to adapt.”
Gupta’s motto, “Work adds up, so try to always stay at zero,” reflects his approach to both robotics and life.
He believes that consistent effort and a humble attitude are key to long term success.
Through robotics, Gupta has not only excelled in technical skills but also developed valuable leadership and teamwork abilities.
As Dublin Robotics continues to grow, Gupta’s legacy as a leader and innovator is sure to inspire future generations.