Normally, robotics might not make its way into the sports section, but when a team names its robot after LeBron James and competes with the intensity of seasoned athletes, it certainly earns the spotlight.
That was the case this season for the William Floyd High School robotics team, “Team 287 Floyd Robotics.” Led by advisors Joseph Carpinone, Joseph Brand and Roxanna Casey, along with volunteers Chris Ryon and Jack Fried, the team recently turned in an outstanding performance at the FIRST Robotics Competition Long Island Regional held at Hofstra University.
Competing against 48 teams from Long Island, New York City and even Chinese Taipei, Floyd Robotics finished second overall and ranked No. 3 in the competition. The team also served as alliance captains, earned Regional Finalist honors and took home the prestigious Industrial Design Award.
Sponsored by General Motors, the Industrial Design Award recognizes the team that best demonstrates excellence in engineering design, balancing form, function and aesthetics. It marks the third time in program history that Floyd Robotics has earned this honor.
This year’s robot, cleverly nicknamed “Lebot James,” competed in the alliance-style tournament rounds as part of the 2026 challenge, “REBUILT,” presented by Haas Automation. The competition challenged teams to use their engineering skills to “reimagine the past” through innovative design and performance.
As alliance captains, Floyd Robotics teamed up with Formosan Sika Team 7673 from Chinese Taipei and Riptide Robotics Team 8267 from Long Beach, with Robocats Team 2161 from Walt Whitman serving as backup.
Their success also secured enough regional points to qualify for the FIRST Championship, set to take place April 29 through May 2 in Houston, Texas.
Before heading to the world stage, the team will next compete at the New York Tech Valley Regional in Albany, continuing an already remarkable season.