Robotique Marcelline

Robotique Marcelline: When Passion Becomes Excellence

Founded in 2012 by Mr. Joseph El-Helou, Ph.D., physics and science teacher, Robotique Marcelline is now recognized as the world's best all-female robotics team. A source of pride that resonates far beyond Montréal! And that begins, for every student, with a spark of genius.

1 – Logo-Robotique Marcelline

Much More Than a Competition: Human Teachings

Robotics is often perceived as a technical discipline. At Collège Sainte-Marcelline, it is first and foremost a lesson in life. By designing, programming and operating a robot, students develop skills that will serve them well far beyond the classroom. In fact, there are several very tangible benefits.

Problem-Solving

Each technical challenge requires breaking down a problem, testing solutions, accepting failure and starting over. This process molds rigorous and creative thinking, essential in all areas of life.

Teamwork and Mutual Support

No robot is built on its own. Robotics teaches collaboration, listening, sharing responsibilities and trusting others. Mutual support is one of the values most frequently cited by team members.

Perseverance and Resilience

A robot that doesn’t work isn’t a failure — it’s a step along the way. Students learn to analyze what went wrong, adjust and start again, with even greater determination.

Self-Confidence

Presenting before a jury, defending design choices, speaking about a project in English at international competitions: these are all experiences that build lasting confidence.

Openness to STEM Fields

Robotics is a natural gateway to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It demonstrates in a tangible way that these disciplines are accessible, stimulating, and full of promise, especially for girls.

Competitions That Build Character

Robotique Marcelline competes in two major competitions.

The Canadian Robotics Competition (CRC)

A multidisciplinary competition combining robotics, programming, design, media and journalism. Robotique Marcelline has won the overall championship five times — in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2025 — as well as numerous awards in construction, design, booth, video and web journalism. A record that speaks volumes about consistent excellence, year after year.

The VEX Competition

The VEX competition is the world’s largest robotics competition: more than 50 countries, two distinct streams (VEX-V5 and VEX-IQ) that open the discipline to all high school levels.

Robotique Marcelline has shone in this competition for several years. Our teams have won numerous provincial championships and represented Québec at every world final since 2020. In 2022, in Dallas, they won the Create Award in the technical category. In 2024, our junior team ranked 1st in Québec, 7th in Canada and 22nd in the world.

Results that confirm, year after year, our status as the world’s best all-female robotics team.

An Initiative That Goes Far Beyond the School

By promoting the place of women in traditionally male-dominated fields, Robotique Marcelline embodies the founding values of the school: pushing one’s limits, commitment and openness to the world. Every season, new members join the team and discover that technology can be a way of changing the world.

 

To learn more about the team, its members and its projects: robotiquemarcelline.com