About our team

The Dreaming Robot is a homeschooled team out of Worcester, Massachusetts.  Our motto is “two problems?  One Solution,” because we believe in simplicity and multitasking.  This is our first year competing in Vex.

The team began when Tao Lin was unable to find a spot on a local Vex team, so he decided to start his own team.  He obtained sponsorship from Concord, and taught a Lego Robotics class for homeschoolers to raise money.  Tao entered two competitions by himself.  Through social media, Tao connected with Philip Hubbe, who joined the team in January.  Philip shares Tao’s passion and enthusiasm for robotics.   Family members provide support and mentorship, and area teams have generously shared knowledge and resources.  The Dreaming Robot’s goals are to learn, have fun, and do as well in competition as they can. 

Photo credit:  Ora Lin

 The Dreaming Robot has made many achievements in the toss up season. We won the Excellence award at the 11/16/13 QCC scrimmage, less than three weeks after the team was started. At the New England Regional Middle School Championship, we won Robot Skills, as well as winning the tournament with our allies 2645A the Godbots, and 4344B the Autonomous Panthers. This qualified us to compete at the Vex Robotics World Championship. There, with the help of our sponsors, Concord and WPIApartments, we were quarter finalists, entering the elimination rounds 16th out of our division of over 70.

Tao Lin (left, age 13), competed in FIRST Lego League for four years before starting The Dreaming Robot.  He enjoys math, science, reading, playing the cello, and doing things outdoors. “Robots are one of the most amazing applications of all kinds of technology.  I like how they are so complex and multifunctional.”

Philip Hubbe (right, age 14), is also a veteran of FIRST Lego League, enjoys drawing diagrams and schematics, and likes hiking, sports, and paintball.   “I like getting into something that is more in depth.  I’ve learned about pulling more ideas out of my head.  Even though not all of the ideas are workable, they sure are fun to come up with.”