The Kilby Laboratory School’s “Load and Link Lions” robotics team earned the Energy Award at the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship.
FLORENCE, Ala. — The Kilby Laboratory School Robotics Team, known as the “Load and Link Lions,” earned top honors at the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship, bringing home the Energy Award in their division after a strong showing in St. Louis, Missouri.
The team stood out among 82 teams in its division, ultimately being recognized for energy, sportsmanship and positive interactions with other teams and fans throughout the competition.
“I am very proud and impressed by our robotics team at Kilby,” said Dr. Eric Kirkman, director of the school located on the University of North Alabama campus. “This year was special in that this was not only our fourth time in a row qualifying for VEX Worlds competition, but this was the first time the event took place in St. Louis, Missouri.”
The 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship was held at the America’s Center Convention Complex and featured more than 850 teams from more than 60 countries, territories and tribes. Kilby was one of 12 teams from Alabama to qualify for the international event.
The competition included elementary, middle and high school divisions and focused on teamwork-based challenges, along with driving skills and autonomous coding tasks.
Kilby briefly led its division after the first day of competition before finishing the event with the Energy Award in the Technology Division.
“Competing at VEX Worlds and winning the Energy Award was a great honor and experience for our students and their parents,” Dr. Kirkman said. “They represented the State of Alabama very well.”
