Twin brothers build 'Blast Robotics' team for kids in Philly region

BERWYN, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- The Ponugoti twins put their brains together to help kids to blast off into the world of robotics.

Vivaan & Virat Ponugoti are juniors at Conestoga High School and live in Wayne, Pennsylvania. The pair always enjoyed science and technology, but didn't get interested in robotics until high school.

However, one brother did not make the team during their freshman year.

This was the spark that fueled their mission to provide more access to robotics opportunities for kids in the region.

They got their program off the ground through fundraising, social media outreach and word of mouth.

Blast Robotics, also known as Team 10989, launched last year and already has roughly 40 members on board.

Blast Robotics is a FMA (FIRST Mid Atlantic) team, part of Mid Atlantic Robotics. They recently competed in the 'Ramp Riot,' the 26th Annual Robotics Competition at Wissahickon High School.

The program is fueled by many community partners such as Eadeh Enterprises, who donated workshop space to the group.

"From summer camps, to raising monies to support the robotics mission and being an inclusive environment where everyone is learning, leading and thinking about the common goal is incredible," said Stacey H. Ballard, President & CEO of Eadeh Enterprises and member of the board.

Blast Robotics is officially chartered by Keystone STEM Alliance Inc., a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit whose mission is to promote education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

To learn more or get involved, visit their website.

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