Robomed 2025: Technology, Team Spirit and Pasteis de Nata – Our Journey to Lisbon

From March 27th to 30th, twelve PYP5 students from H-Farm took part in an educational trip to Lisbon to attend Robomed 2025, an international robotics competition hosted at CAISL (Carlucci American International School of Lisbon). Their Teachers: Owen McComasky, Christopher Camacho and Flika Carvalho, accompanied our young innovators on a journey that blended authentic learning, team spirit, and cultural discovery.

A (Robotic) Mission

From the very first day, the excitement was tangible: hard-shell suitcases packed with robots wrapped in bubble wrap, cables, sensors, and iPads ready to go. At the heart of the project? Designing, testing, and optimizing autonomous robots to tackle complex challenges that demanded critical thinking, initiative, and a strong application of mathematical and scientific concepts.

During the Robomed program, students experienced firsthand the power of learning by doing. They programmed their own robots, analyzed movements, revised designs, debugged under pressure, and tackled tasks inspired by real-world medical and healthcare scenarios. Every mistake became an opportunity to reflect, collaborate, and improve.

Not Just Technology

But this trip wasn’t just a marathon of circuits and code. There was time to explore Lisbon, taste the iconic pasteis de nata, play on the beach in Estoril, and socialize with students from other international schools at the gala dinner. One of the most meaningful moments was seeing our students support one another, share strategies, and show remarkable maturity in handling unexpected technical issues—like uncooperative sensors or rebellious robots.

What We Bring Home

Back home, we didn’t just bring heavier suitcases filled with souvenirs and memories—we brought back new skills: effective communication, resilience in the face of challenges, and a genuine passion for science and technology. Our students embodied the IB Thinker profile: analytical, reflective, and always ready to find creative solutions.

This journey solidified what we mean when we say future ready: it’s not just about knowing how technology works, but knowing how to use it to solve complex problems—while working with empathy and awareness in a global context.