About SMW Viking Robotics

  • Who we are...
    • Non-profit organization from SM West
    • Affiliated with FIRST Robotics
    • Students and Mentors with interests in robotics, engineering (electrical, mechanical, structural, civil), metal fabrication, AutoCAD design, physics, leadership, public relations, programming, marketing, photo-journalism, graphic design, promoting team spirit, videography, website design and content management
  • What we do...
    • Participate in FIRST Robotic competitions
    • Design, build, and program a robot for a unique task each year
    • Work with project management, metal fabrication, woodworking, and computer programming skills
    • Participate in community service programs from the local to international levels
  • Our Mission...
    • To cultivate the interest of members in the understanding and skills involved in technology and engineering
    • To encourage creativity of thought, perseverance in the face of challenges, and cooperation and compromise as individuals who are part of a team
    • To develop life skills in students through team membership, community outreach, public speaking, critical thinking and unique experiences
  • Accomplishments...
    • 2009 - 3rd seed Alliance Captain in Denver Regional
    • 2009 - Best Web Site Award, Greater Kansas City Regional
    • 2008 - Reached semi-finals in Greater Kansas City Regional
    • 2007 – Daimler-Chrysler Team Spirit Award, Greater Kansas City Regional
    • 2006 – Rookie Inspirational Award, Colorado Regional


    • 100% of our alumni have continued to a college or university
    • 95% majored or are majoring in some form of engineering or science technology
    • 3 team alumni were awarded FIRST scholarships to attend Kansas State University and Missouri S&T


    • Participated in the Shawnee Mission R & D Forum
    • Educational Seminars for elementary and middle school students on robotics
    • Participated in Westridge 8th Grade Night
    • Participated in Overland Park Fall Festival
    • Various community service activities

Founded in 2006, the club participates in events sponsored by F.I.R.S.T, (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an international organization sponsoring over 12,000 high school robotics teams around the world. Initially funded by Kansas City’s Kauffman Foundation, the team has designed and constructed robots to compete against other robotic teams to complete specific tasks as part of an overall robotic game.

“These are not the ‘Rock-em Sock-em’ robots or ‘Battle Bots’ you might have seen on TV,” says Robert Dudek, one of the faculty sponsors of the club. “Rather, all participating teams receive an identical kit of parts and the rules of the year’s game at same time during the first week of January. The teams then have exactly six weeks to design, build and test their robots before they have to be shipped. It can be a hectic time!”

Robotic team meetings are held weekly, and all interested students are invited to participate. Parents are also encouraged take part, especially those with engineering backgrounds.

For additional information contact Mr. Robert Dudek or Ms. Vicki Davis at (913) 993-7800 or you can email them at: smw.robotics@gmail.com.