The Republic of national robotics team has been named one of the top 10 finalists – out of 74 submissions worldwide – for the ‘Eco Equilibrium – New Technology Experience (NTE)’ challenge at the FIRST Global Challenge 2025, taking place in Panama City from 29th October to 1st November. The New Technology Experience is a key component of the FIRST Global Challenge, designed to keep students at the forefront of emerging technologies related to each year’s theme. In 2025, the Eco Equilibrium – NTE invites participants to develop technologies that support biodiversity and climate resilience.
A robotics solution for reforestation
Moldova’s team designed a robotic solution for reforestation in hard-to-reach areas, directly supporting the country’s National Afforestation Program.
At the start of the 19th century, forests covered nearly one-third of Moldova’s land. Today, only 11% remains forested – one of the lowest rates in Europe — leading to soil erosion, droughts, and biodiversity loss.
In 2023, under President Maia Sandu’s leadership, Moldova launched the National Afforestation Program to restore forests and biodiversity across newly designated sites, aiming to increase forest coverage to 15% by 2032 and strengthen climate resilience.
“I am proud of our young engineers who prove once again that Moldova can lead with ideas, creativity, and innovation. Their project supports our National Afforestation Program and shows that when we combine knowledge, science, and imagination, we can protect our environment and build a prosperous future for all. Only through innovative solutions can we effectively address the challenge of afforestation and strengthen our country’s resilience to climate change.” Said Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova
Comprising students aged 15 to 18, Moldova’s robotics team has participated in tree-planting campaigns in their communities. Inspired by these experiences, they sought ways to apply their engineering and programming skills to improve reforestation methods.
After consulting forestry experts and studying sapling-planting processes, the students designed a spider-style reforestation robot capable of planting trees on steep, degraded slopes where traditional methods are unsafe or ineffective.
The robot features modular stabilising legs, soil-sensing and drilling mechanisms, a seed-pod or sapling dispenser, and semi-autonomous posture control, enabling precise, stable planting in difficult terrain.
Moldova’s track record at FIRST global
Over the past decade, Moldova has become a regional leader in educational robotics, driven by continuous investment in STEM education and the expansion of school robotics clubs nationwide. Moldovan teams have consistently earned top placements at the FIRST Global Challenge, demonstrating creativity, teamwork, and technical excellence.
Moldova’s FIRST global achievements
2017 – Moldova debuts at the FIRST Global Challenge
2018 – Bronze medal, Mexico City
2019 – Three gold medals, Dubai, UAE
2022 – Gold medal, Geneva, Switzerland
2023 – Gold and silver medals, Singapore
2024 – Two gold medals, Athens, Greece
Inspiring the next generation
As the team prepares to compete in Panama City, Moldova continues to champion youth innovation and STEM education. Their participation not only showcases the nation’s growing technological capacity but also inspires a new generation of engineers, programmers, and environmental innovators committed to building a sustainable future
