Team 1293 began its time in the FIRST Robotics Competition in 2004.  Competing for the first nine seasons as D5 Robotics, the team welcomed students from all District Five high schools.

2011 saw the team expand into a bold new direction by co-hosting SCRIW, the South Carolina Robotics Invitational and Workshops, with our friends at Dreher High School's Blue Devil Mechanics.  The one-day event played on an official FIRST Robotics Competition field remains the longest-running off-season competition in the Carolinas and the only event of its kind in South Carolina.

In 2013, after three playoff appearances in four years, the team assumed its current name of Pandamaniacs and its black/white/red color scheme.

2019 was a breakout season for the team, attending two regional competitions for the first time.  Both times, the team reached new heights by seeding in the top 10 and captaining their playoff alliance.  The team continued this run of success into the abbreviated 2020 season, seeding 8th of 63 teams at the Palmetto Regional and becoming a first-round pick once again.

In 2022, the team finally had its breakthrough victory, winning the 2022 Electric City Regional and punching its first ever ticket to the FIRST Championship.  This was followed up with a strong 2023 season, with more playoff appearances in the two district events attended and a win at the SCRAP off-season tournament.

In fall 2024, the team transitioned to a community-based program and opened its doors to students from all across the Columbia area regardless of their school affiliation.