In the world of robotics, the machines may take center stage—but it's the people behind them who bring the magic to life. At the heart of every creation is a team of innovators pushing boundaries, solving problems, and learning together. The robotics world is where technology meets creativity, competition fuels camaraderie, and every setback powers new skills.
To uncover what makes robotics such a positive force for kids, we sat down with four of the biggest names in BattleBots® who are shaping the future of the field—Andrea Gellatly, John Remar, Leanne Cushing, and Trey Roski. From the earliest sparks of curiosity to the adrenaline of the arena, their insights show how robotics empowers kids to dream bigger, think differently, and build lasting connections.
Start early = starting smart: Andrea Gellatly
For Andrea Gellatly, captain of the 2X BattleBots® Championship Team Witch Doctor, robotics isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifelong passion that started in high school. Her early exposure to robotics changed her life. Now, she’s on a mission to make sure every kid has the same opportunity.
“I almost missed robotics. I graduated middle school convinced I was going to be an artist until I started building robots in high school. It totally changed the trajectory of my career.” Andrea shares. “As a female in the sport, I’m the minority, but BattleBots® has always been a welcoming space to learn, make mistakes, and build robots.”
Her Camp Witch Doctor kits are designed to make robotics approachable—turning what might seem intimidating into something kids can tinker with, build, and personalize. Starting small, with a kit, a club, or a summer camp, opens the door to bigger possibilities.
Primal. Sensational. Everything: John Remar
Walk into a BattleBots® arena, and you'll feel it—the electric energy, the anticipation, the primal thrill of competition. As the executive producer and referee of BattleBots®, John Remar knows that feeling better than anyone.
“It’s a spectacle. It’s primal. It’s sensational. It’s an instinct in us that dates back to the beginning of time—back to the gladiator days. It was a spectacle to see a gladiator fight, and BattleBots® is a modern-day version of that.”
What makes robotics so captivating is the way it blends technical skill with pure adrenaline. It’s a playground for creativity and strategy—where coders, designers, and engineers come together to bring their ideas to life. Whether it's the precision of engineering, the artistry of design, or the drama of competition, there's an entry point for every passion.
Be bold and problem-solve: Leanne Cushing
If there’s one thing robotics teaches, it’s how to keep going when things get tough. Just ask Leanne Cushing, seasoned builder, driver, and captain of BattleBots® Team Valkyrie. Her time in the arena has shown her that the best solutions often come from looking at problems from a different angle, with people who have different perspectives.
“A problem that really stumped our team was one we couldn’t figure out until we took a step back and took a holistic view,” Leanne recalls. “Sometimes you’re focused on the wrong thing, but persevering and continuing to tinker and problem-solve until you get it right is everything.”
Robotics teaches kids that every challenge is an opportunity to think creatively, collaborate with others, and try again. “Ask questions. Lean on your community—the best ideas often come from a group of people. There will be challenges that arise, but push through them because it’s worth it,” Leanne encourages. It’s not just about having the right answer—it’s about being bold, asking questions, leaning on teammates, and pushing through setbacks.
Losing is winning: Trey Roski
In most competitions, winning is everything. But in the world of BattleBots®, losing is a success—because every loss teaches you how to build something better.
“The winning and losing at BattleBots® doesn’t matter,” says Trey Roski, visionary Founder of BattleBots®. “The success of building a BattleBot® is building the BattleBot® and seeing the light turn green in the arena. If you win, great. If you don’t, you’ll come back and build it better.”
That mindset changes everything for kids. It shifts the focus from the outcome to the journey—from the trophy to the team. It teaches kids that not everything is about them because as a team, you win, lose, learn, and grow as a team.
Trey has seen it firsthand—teams sharing tools, offering advice, and helping their competitors moments before they battle. “The energy, the camaraderie, the friendship that you get and BattleBots® and iD Tech is magic. It’s something some kids have been looking for their whole lives and bonds they will have for the rest of their lives.”
Ready for the next step in your child’s robotics journey? Here are a few avenues to consider:
- Join a robotics club: many schools and communities offer FIRST Robotics, VEX Robotics, or BattleBots®-inspired teams
- Explore BattleBots® Camps: as the exclusive education partner of BattleBots®, iD Tech is proud to offer in-person and virtual programs you can’t find anywhere else
- Explore robotics lessons, toys, and kits: iD Tech private lessons and kits like LEGO or Team Witch Doctor let kids experiment with building and coding at home
- Attend a robotics competition: seeing the excitement firsthand can inspire kids to dive into the world of robotics
Watch BattleBots®: there’s no substitute for the lights, camera, action of a full BattleBots® production, so tune in here to see the spectacle
The robotics world is your child’s for the taking. Empower their journey today!
TL;DR
Robotics isn’t just about machines—it’s about teamwork, creativity, and learning from failure. We sat down with four BattleBots® legends, Andrea Gellatly, John Remar, Leanne Cushing, and Trey Roski, to get their insight on how robotics empowers kids to dream big, problem-solve, and build lifelong connections. From getting early exposure to embracing the thrill of competition to pushing through setbacks, robotics helps kids discover that the journey matters more than the outcome. If you’re ready to get your child started in robotics, join a robotics club, dive into kits and private lessons, or explore BattleBots® Camp today!