Peering into the window of a Valkyrie Robotics studio, junior Nirbhay Saluja – an eighth grader at the time – was transfixed by the grinding gears, rushing people and chaotic commotion that makes up competitive robotics. After walking in and inquiring further about the team, Nirbhay started his journey in robotics, cultivating the skills that would make him a leader. 

Following the dismantlement of Valkyrie due to financial concerns, Saluja decided to take matters into his own hands. Saluja mentions how Valkyrie helped him escape during troubling times and inspired him to provide that refuge for others.

“[Robotics was] a place to go and check out the rest of the things that were going on and just do cool stuff,” Saluja said. “That’s why I took it upon myself [to start the team].”

Using his own experience at Valkyrie as a framework, Nirbhay started forming his own primarily student-led team: South Bay Robotics. Nirbhay recalls how he has been able to do this through the guidance of mentors and connections with members from his previous robotics team of four years. Nirbhay hopes to utilize both the faults and achievements of how Valkyrie functions to make the best possible team.

“[Members are] transferring all of their knowledge that they gained from Valkyrie,” Saluja said. “We’re trying to use that to build something here as well at South Bay Robotics. Every team has their grievances. We’re trying to work on Valkyrie mistakes [and] virtues, and build somewhat of a better environment than Valkyrie.”

Saluja helps smooth the transition into robotics for newcomers like junior Lauren Kim, who come into SBR with little to no previous knowledge. Kim mentions that Saluja has conducted several meetings to ensure members have the necessary background understanding on how robots function, basic coding syntax, and the timeline for future competitions. Saluja is trying to shape his team so that it is more inclusive and everyone’s opinions are heard, according to Kim. 

“He allows for a lot of cooperation [so] everyone can take leadership roles where they feel the most comfortable,” Kim said. 

As a leader, Saluja says members’ opinions and needs are of the utmost importance. Junior Daniel Qin, the team’s financial director, acknowledges how Saluja is often the one to make first contact with members, describing him as a “people person.” Qin further explains how Saluja provides his team members with roles to fit their desired level of commitment. Qin finds it refreshing how Nirbhay places a large emphasis on the team being student-led. 

Using his previous robotics experience and utilizing select parts of Valkyrie’s team model, Saluja provides his team with opportunities to grow and strengthen their skills.

 “I think the best way to basically learn about all these things is just throwing yourself down the deep end and seeing if you can make it,” Saluja said. “I feel like failure is more of a teacher than a mentor would be.”