The Pella High School robotics team is gearing up for their second consecutive appearance at the 2025 FTC Iowa State Robotics Championship this Friday and Saturday at XTREAM Arena in Coralville.

Ranked 10th in the state, the Bionic Dutch are focused on improving their position, but the competition is “fierce,” according to Head Coach Brent Ewell, who acknowledges that the top seven teams in Iowa have substantial experience, “cutting-edge” robotics technology, and strong financial backing, which sets them apart from the other 162 teams.

“To maintain their ranking, the team will need a mechanically sound robot, strong alliance partners, and the ability to work closely and efficiently as a team,” he says. Despite the challenging competition, Ewell is proud of the team’s hard work and the success they’ve achieved this season.

Click here to listen to a recent interview with the Bionic Dutch ahead of the state meet.