Robonauts

The Robonauts are not your typical high school robotics team. Operating out of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, Team 118 gives students direct access to mentors who design spacecraft, build space station components, and develop the robotic systems that will one day operate on the surface of Mars. That level of mentorship is virtually impossible to replicate anywhere else in the country, and it shows in the sophistication of their competition robots.

Founded in 1997, the Robonauts have been a consistent force at the FIRST Championship for over two decades. Their robots are known for exceptional mechanical design — the kind of precision machining and thoughtful mechanism layouts that reflect the influence of NASA engineers who work to aerospace tolerances every day. Students on Team 118 learn to think about engineering problems the way professionals do, and they carry that mindset into college and careers.

Beyond competition, the Robonauts run one of the most impactful outreach programs in FIRST. They host training workshops for teams across Texas and the Gulf Coast, sharing their knowledge of CAD, fabrication, programming, and strategy. Their annual "Ri3D" (Robot in 3 Days) builds have become essential viewing for FRC teams looking to develop rapid prototyping skills. The Robonauts believe that their responsibility extends beyond winning — they want to elevate the entire competition.

The alumni network from Team 118 is a pipeline directly into the aerospace industry. Former Robonauts work at NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For students in the Houston area who dream of space, the Robonauts are the most direct path from high school to the launch pad.