Cafe Bot robotics team robot

Our machines

Meet the Robots

Every season brings a new challenge — and a new robot. Here's a look at the machines we've built, the awards they've earned, and the lessons they've taught us.

Built by students. Driven by curiosity.

Each year, FIRST releases a brand-new game challenge, and we have just six weeks to design, build, program, and test a robot that can compete. It's intense, it's chaotic, and it's one of the best experiences our team has ever had.

From our first robot in 2011 to our most recent competition at Run for the Robots in Lexington, Kentucky, every machine tells a story of teamwork, late nights, and hard-won breakthroughs.

Espresso — 2025–2026 robot
2025–2026

Into the Deep

Espresso

Our most ambitious build yet. Espresso features a high-reach arm for hanging, a precision intake for collecting samples, and a fully autonomous routine that earned us top marks at regionals. Recently debuted at the Run for the Robots premiere event in Lexington, KY with major upgrades.

Key Features

  • High-reach hanging mechanism
  • Autonomous scoring routine
  • Precision sample intake

Awards & Recognition

Design AwardInspire Award Finalist
Biscotti — 2024–2025 robot
2024–2025

Center Stage

Biscotti

Biscotti was our most decorated robot to date. Built around a reliable pixel-stacking mechanism and a smooth drive train, it helped us earn multiple awards across the season and qualify for the Missouri State Championship.

Key Features

  • Pixel stacking arm
  • Reliable autonomous
  • State Championship qualifier

Awards & Recognition

Control AwardThink AwardState Championship Qualifier
Lungo — 2023–2024 robot
2023–2024

CENTERSTAGE

Lungo

Lungo taught us a lot about iterative design. We rebuilt the intake system three times before regionals and came out with a robot we were truly proud of. The Inspire Award nomination that season was a highlight for the whole team.

Key Features

  • Iterative intake redesign
  • Strong driver skills score
  • Community outreach recognition

Awards & Recognition

Inspire Award NomineeMotivate Award

Award History

Over 15 seasons, we've earned recognition not just for our robots — but for our engineering process, community impact, and team spirit.

Cafe Bot team celebrating awards
🎨

Design Award

×4

Recognizes elegant and creative robot design

🖥️

Control Award

×3

Honors innovative use of sensors and software

Inspire Award

×2

The highest honor in FTC — overall team excellence

📐

Think Award

×3

Celebrates outstanding engineering documentation

🤝

Motivate Award

×2

Recognizes team spirit and community engagement

🔗

Connect Award

×1

Honors STEM community outreach and partnerships

Want to help build the next one?

We're always looking for curious, driven students to join the team. No experience required — just a willingness to learn and get your hands dirty.

Join the Team
Cafe Bot Robotics Team #4982

Building award-winning robots and stronger communities in Sunset Hills, MO. Proudly supported by the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. Powered by curiosity, coffee, and Cappy's spirit. ☕

© 2026 FTC Team #4982 Cafe Bot · Sunset Hills, MOMade with ☕ and a lot of heart