Pittsburgh High‑School Robotics Teams Set Four World Records Using igus Linear Slides

Igus— a German‑based manufacturer with a U.S. office in East Providence, Rhode Island—provides engineered plastic linear guides, bearings, energy supply systems, robotic components and 3D‑printing materials and services. These products were recently leveraged by two Pittsburgh high‑school robotics teams to set four world records at this year’s FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) global competition.

Team #8393 -- The Giant Diencephalic BrainSTEM Robotics Team, led by senior James Walton, partnered with its rookie mentee, (Team #6931 - The Substantial Monocephalic BrainSTEM Robotics Team), to establish their third world record during the South Central Regional Qualifier in York, Pennsylvania. They topped the scoreboard in the 2018 FTC Challenge—Relic Recovery, which tasks robots with autonomously collecting and scoring foam “glyph” cubes in various patterns, retrieving jewels, transferring relics, parking on balancing “stones,” and navigating designated field zones.

The BrainSTEM robots feature spinning collectors, elevating deposition platforms, and articulated robotic arms, all mounted on agile omni‑directional drivetrains. Last season, the team integrated igus Drylin Linear slides into their robot, which went on to earn the Design Award at the 2017 FIRST World Championship.

In the current season, both teams incorporated igus Drylin T‑profile slides—profile guide‑rail systems—and Drylin N‑series slides—low‑profile linear‑guide systems—into their builds, forming sturdy lifts for scoring mechanisms and the backbone of their extendable robotic arms.

The teams credit igus Drylin Linear slides for producing robots that are exceptionally lightweight, compact, and capable of high‑speed, smooth scoring mechanisms. They first set two world records on a single day at a December event in Ohio, a record they maintained until surpassing it with their record‑breaking performance at the Pennsylvania tournament in late January.

The team recently clinched the Ohio State Championship and advanced to the FIRST Tech Challenge Super‑Regional North Championship, earning a spot at the world championships in April, Detroit. “igus products dramatically enhance compactness and efficiency,” senior James Walton noted. “Alternatives—large, steel drawer glides—are heavy, unwieldy, and prone to dust buildup. In contrast, the non‑lubricated igus glide delivers exceptional smoothness, sturdiness, consistency, and speed.” The teams rely on igus T‑Profile and N‑Series slides, which require no lubrication, resist dirt, minimize vibration and noise, and boast extended service life.

The BrainSTEM teams first encountered igus products through senior mentor Gordon Walton, a semi‑retired research and development specialist who has employed a variety of igus solutions. They discovered versatile applications for Drylin linear slides, Iglide bearings, barstock, and 3D‑printing materials. “They’re suitable for countless applications,” Walton remarked. “Their self‑lubricating, lightweight nature makes them an ideal choice for numerous use cases.”

BrainSTEM draws its talent from ten Pittsburgh‑area schools. The senior squad comprises ten students in grades 9–12, while the junior squad—seven students in grades 4–8—competes in high‑school events. All members are alumni of the FIRST LEGO League and now support the program’s expansion across Western Pennsylvania through their non‑profit partner, BrainSTEM Learning, Inc. By conducting 17 additional robotics events for elementary and middle‑school students—including a Grand Championship featuring 1,000 participants—they’re profoundly shaping the community’s STEM culture.