Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, September 2, 2025. The UP Robotics team from the Universidad Panamericana , AguascalientesUniversidad Panamericana competed in the most important international competition in the field of robotics: RoboCup 2025, where they had an outstanding performance that placed them in sixth place among 18 teams from around the world.
This achievement places UP Robotics as the best team in Mexico and the entire Americas, surpassing renowned research and postgraduate centers from several countries.
A team constantly evolving toward excellence
Made up of 10 students from different engineering disciplines, the team represented Mexico in the Rescue Robot League category, a competition that simulates search and rescue missions in disaster scenarios.
The first version of this robot was present and provided support in the rescue efforts following the September 19, 2017, earthquake in Mexico City. At that time, the robot, named Ixnamiki Olinki( ), was equipped with sensors, a flashlight, high-definition cameras, and CO2 sensors to identify the breathing of survivors.
After participating in real crises, the robot continued to participate in subsequent editions of RoboCup. Over the past year, the team worked on perfecting the rescue robot, with the aim of presenting it at the Mexican Robotics Tournament, held in Mexico City, as a prelude to participating in RoboCup.
This challenge represented the team's first participation in the competition and was a crucial opportunity to demonstrate the progress they had made. On this occasion, the team presented the third version of their robot, now called Ek Balam (Black Panther).
Some of the improvements implemented include a lighter design, a complete overhaul of the electronics with an integrated communication system, and, for the first time, the incorporation of a 100% robotic arm with seven joints, which marked a decisive step toward competitive performance at the national and international levels.
It also has special wheels, movable fins, video cameras all over its body, and even a thermal camera to monitor and detect victims in hard-to-reach areas.
Sebastián Córdova, robot pilot and programming team leader, shared that competing in the Mexican Robotics Tournament and the RoboCup in Brazil was an experience of great pressure and responsibility, as every move could define the work of the entire team.
Although he faced moments of uncertainty while driving in the final, he emphasized that his confidence in his teammates and his own abilities allowed him to overcome the challenge.
A team that reflects UP's commitment and excellence
UP Robotics is composed of José Castañeda, Yamil Meléndez, Ricardo Castillo, Rafael Núñez, Isaac Ramos, Pedro Cruz, María Fernanda Ortega, Sebastián Córdova, Atzin Cruz, and captain Emilio Jáuregui, under the guidance of Dr. Fernando Dávalos.
It is a multidisciplinary team that brings together students from Mechatronics Engineering, Innovation and Design, Bioelectronics, and Artificial Intelligence, which strengthens the comprehensive vision of each project.
"For me, it was a very rewarding experience to see how the students integrated all the knowledge they acquired both in their classes and through the training I gave them on electronics,"said Dr. Fernando Dávalos.
He added: "After the pandemic, this is the third consecutive year that they have competed, andyou can see that they are a stronger team, with excellent teamwork, fluid communication between members, and positive attitudes that were key to achieving these results."
Innovation and comprehensive learning
The RoboCup experience was a comprehensive learning opportunity: students did not focus on just one area, but developed skills in mobility, electronics, mechanics, and programming.
A special merit was that they designed, assembled, and perfected every part of the robot themselves, which challenged them to innovate, thoroughly understand each system, and create unique solutions.
"We returned from Brazil with hearts full of pride and having learned a great deal. Not only did we qualify for the final among the best teams in the world, but achieved an impressive sixth place worldwide, and what makes us most proud is that we were the third robot manufactured entirely by the team itself," says the captain of UP Robotics.
Beyond competitive achievements, students value the robotics experience as an opportunity to develop in different areas, learn from their peers, and strengthen both their academic and personal development, thanks to the dynamic of working in different areas that promotes collaboration and collective growth.
Innovation that transcends thanks to institutional support
Sixth place worldwide in RoboCup 2025 reflects the talent and dedication of the students, but also the commitment of the Universidad Panamericana comprehensive education, applied research, and technological development at the service of society.
UP Robotics' participation consolidates the Universidad Panamericana a leader in robotics in Mexico, promoting projects that transcend the classroom and contribute to the creation of innovative solutions for the future.
Learn more about the Faculty of Engineering at: https://www.up.edu.mx/educacion-universidad-facultad-de-ingenieria/
