Robotics is a team sport
of the mind.

RO2D2 was born in 2018, in a corner of a laboratory at the “Mihai Viteazul” National College in Ploiești, on the initiative of a few high-schoolers who decided they could learn more than what the textbooks said. With no specialised mentors and no access to technical know-how, but with an avid thirst for learning, the team grew step by step — first with modest appearances at regional contests, then national ones, and finally on the global stage.

David Luca Moșu, a member and leader of the RO2D2 team, together with Ștefania Istrate, one of the team’s leaders, spoke in an interview about their project, about the value of perseverance and community, and about how the Romanian education system could evolve and what it means to be digitally prepared.

“Everything we do is individual work. We have mentors, like our history teacher, but not on the technical side. When it comes to design and programming, we managed on our own. I learned the most through individual work, and then we share it with our colleagues.”

Ștefania Istrate

For RO2D2, robotics was never about prizes. “Our mindset at the start of every project was to see what we could improve on the previous year, how far we could get personally, but also how our projects help the community. Everything has a purpose in our plan,” Luca adds.

This way of thinking has brought them remarkable results. In 2025, by the end of April, the robot built by the RO2D2 team held an elite position — 3rd in the FTC world rankings. But their achievements aren’t measured only in trophies; they’re measured in how they turned their experience into a sustainable model of applied education. Last year they built four robot iterations entirely from scratch until they reached the final version they competed with at the World Championship. “That robot represented over 1,000 hours of work from every member of the team, but you have to truly love what you do, not be afraid to take risks, and be ready to give up a good part of your time to build a better version of yourself, day by day.”

From competition to community

RO2D2 doesn’t limit itself to the technical side — it has become a source of inspiration for new generations, turning play and hands-on work into learning tools. Beyond intense training for competitions, the team brings the magic of robotics into schools across the county, from the city to villages with no access to technology, and even into social centres. There, they plant the seeds of a passion for technology, shaping tomorrow’s young innovators.

“We became mentors for the younger children. First they attend our courses, then they join the LEGO team, and then they transition to the main team. This is how we build tomorrow’s future through sustainable actions. Last year ten members left, and what pleasantly surprised us is that the new ones took up the lessons and we had even greater achievements.”

This form of involvement was also made possible by the support of partners who understood that real education means more than theory. Metaminds, a Romanian company specialised in developing technology solutions for digital services, has become an active partner in supporting RO2D2. “With Metaminds’ help we will organise an intensive LEGO-robotics course, entirely free, to open new horizons for children who want to enter the world of technology and digitalisation.”

“We have a new approach: sponsorship-partnership. We want more than financial support. We want real collaboration, projects together. With the help of our partners and the support of parents, we managed to rent a separate space for workshops, equipped with laptops, 3D printers, a CNC machine, LEGO parts and the tools needed to run hands-on workshops. This way we are building a mini FabLab for the community — and most importantly, any child can be part of this initiative; they just need curiosity and the desire to learn and grow, alongside the team.”

Projects for the real world

Every year brings a project with local impact. Not for image, but as a response to real needs. Among the most relevant initiatives are:

• an automated irrigation system for the Botanical Garden in Ploiești that you can also control remotely;
• a mobile app that maps the city’s historical monuments designed by the Ploiești architect Toma Socolescu, to help develop tourism;
• a smart fish-feeding system, fitted in the aquariums of museums in Ploiești and Tulcea, running on an Arduino board — programmed to dispense a set amount of food at a set interval, and able to check the water’s purity as well.

“Someone asked us three years ago: what concrete benefit do you bring to the community? Since then, every year we do a new project that solves a community problem.”

What is Romania’s digital education missing?

For RO2D2, the problem with the Romanian education system isn’t a lack of technology, but a lack of applicability.

“We do physics, maths, computer science — but we have no applied lessons. Robotics could change that. We have colleagues who learned mechanics, programming and teamwork just by being part of this initiative.”

In their view, subjects such as entrepreneurship, social responsibility or cyber security could become useful subjects to teach in schools. These could bring more clarity and adapt to the needs of the society of the future.

The openness exists, they say, but it takes perseverance and vision: “We hope that in 10 years robotics will become a subject in schools. It won’t be an overnight change, but the beginning is already here.”

The education of the future is about collaboration and curiosity

The greatest inspiration comes the moment children see the robot — essentially a piece of metal — make certain movements, and then they realise that they too can end up building things with their own hands.

The future of learning, in RO2D2’s vision, means a natural integration of technology into the educational process. From virtual tours with VR glasses and simulators, to apps that complement theoretical teaching — including not being afraid of new tools such as AI.

“AI won’t replace us. It will help us focus on what matters. It will handle repetitive actions and leave us to be creative. It’s not a threat, it’s a tool that will make your work easier — if you know how to use it and integrate it into your activities.”

What’s next?

This summer the team will travel to new international competitions, including in the USA. Not for prizes. For confidence, experience and the confirmation that applied education has a future.

“At competitions we don’t win money. We leave with a trophy and the ambition to keep building. We know an international experience can change a child’s future, so we always take beginner members with us. We want our FabLab to become open to everyone, and the team to continue even after we are no longer part of it.”

RO2D2 is not just a robotics team. It is living proof that young people in Romania can change entire communities when they have space, trust and partners who believe in them.

Visit the RO2D2 team site →