We are the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team from "Frații Buzești" National College, Craiova, building robots and a stronger STEM community.
Soft Hoarders (FTC Team 12560, RO031) is a nonprofit student robotics team based at "Frații Buzești" National College in Craiova, Romania. Since 2016, we have competed in FIRST Tech Challenge — a global program that teaches engineering, programming, teamwork, and community leadership through real-world robot design and competition.
We are not a commercial organization. Our work is educational and community-focused: we build robots, mentor younger students, run STEM workshops, and represent Romania at international FTC events. Every season, our students learn skills that prepare them for careers in engineering, software, design, and science — while giving back to the community that supports us.
Our team operates under the guidance of faculty mentors and is supported by sponsors who believe in youth STEM education. We publish our activities openly, welcome collaboration with schools and organizations, and invite anyone interested in robotics or STEM outreach to get in touch.
Beyond building competition robots, Soft Hoarders runs ongoing STEM education and outreach programs for students, schools, and the public in Craiova and beyond.
Each season, our students design, build, program, and compete with a fully autonomous and tele-operated robot. Through FTC, members develop engineering, CAD, software, and project management skills while learning Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition — core FIRST values.
We organize hands-on workshops and robot demonstrations for elementary and middle school students, introducing them to mechanics, coding, and problem-solving. In the 2024–2025 season alone, we participated in 57+ outreach events across Romania.
We collaborate with local schools, libraries, and community organizations to bring robotics and STEM activities to audiences who might not otherwise have access. We welcome invitations to present at fairs, open days, and educational events.
Senior team members mentor new recruits through a structured onboarding process covering mechanical assembly, Java programming, 3D design, and marketing. Our mentors — teachers from Frații Buzești College — provide ongoing academic and technical guidance.
Want us at your school or event? Interested in sponsoring our STEM programs? We would love to hear from you.
Invite Us to an Event Become a SponsorFrom the first brainstorming session to the final match, we focus on growth, innovation, and sharing our passion for STEM with as many people as possible.
We strive for excellence through teamwork, continuous learning, and effective collaboration, both on and off the field.
Guided by curiosity and creativity, we design and build technological solutions that tackle real-world challenges.
Through workshops, demos, and events, we help make STEM accessible, engaging, and inspiring for younger students.
Our journey through FIRST Tech Challenge has brought us to national podiums, international fields, and unforgettable collaborations.
Competing July 1–5, 2025, alongside some of the best FTC teams in Europe.
Multiple Inspire and Connect Awards at regional and national level, plus 8th place at Maryland Tech Invitational 2023.
From local workshops to international collaborations, we commit to growing the global FTC community.
Qualified for the 9th consecutive year since 2016 and received the Connect Award 1 for our impact beyond the field.
Finalist Alliance Partner and Inspire Award 2, highlighting both robot performance and team culture.
Ranked 8th among 40 of the world's best FTC teams in one of the most competitive off-season events.
Real-time statistics from our recent FTC events, powered by FTC Scout.
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A diverse group of students from "Frații Buzești" National College, united by a passion for robotics, engineering, and community impact.
We are grateful for the companies and organizations that support our work, from parts and tools to travel and competition fees.
We are based at "Frații Buzești" National College in Craiova. Reach out if you want to collaborate, invite us to an event, sponsor our programs, or learn more about FTC robotics.
Bulevardul Știrbei Vodă 5
200352 Craiova, Romania
