Considering the growing fascination for robotics amongst capable young learners, there seems to be an infinite array of competitions for them to choose from. And there’s arguably no better approach for students to enhance their skills in robotics than by joining these competitions.
Pioneer Academics, adhering to its high standards, has dedicated efforts to pinpoint the most beneficial robotics competitions for students seeking to increase their competitive prowess this summer.
Brett Fuller
Academic Development Manager | Pioneer Academics
Former Associate Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Wake Forest University
Former Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
There are many different approaches to crafting an effective college application, but the best share at least two traits: they give admissions officers a very clear sense of the student’s “voice”, and they distinguish the student from their peers in some meaningful way. “Voice” in this instance refers to a combination of the traits that make the student who they are such as their personality, interests, background, aspirations, etc. I often describe the sense of “voice” in an application in the following way – if you were to hand your application to someone you trusted who knew you incredibly well (a family member, best friend, counselor) would they agree that it represents you? You are submitting your application to an admissions officer who is presumably a complete stranger; will that AO be left with an accurate impression of who you are?
The second common denominator for effective applications is the ability to distinguish yourself from peers. This is where competitions or achievements can come into play. If you list engineering or any field related to robotics as a potential college major in your application, an admissions officer is going to be looking for support of that interest. They will want to know where that interest came from, and how you have engaged with it. This can be as simple as looking at your transcript to see if you have challenged yourself in the sciences, relative to what your school offers. But, it also can provide an opportunity to show that you have gone above and beyond taking classes of interest.
The list below represents a number of different types of competitions that can add substance and depth to your interests in an application. Some are team competitions and others are completed individually. Some are more regional in nature and others are national or even international in their scope. Entering one of these competitions comes with the baked in benefit of getting to dive deeper into your field of interest! Even before being considered for a prize of any kind, you gain experience and knowledge that will add to your application and add to your foundation of knowledge as you prepare for undergraduate study. If you do manage to win a prize, your application can be distinguished from your peers in a meaningful way. That prize is a clear indicator to admissions officers that you have produced high quality work, and your interest in the field has real depth.
💡Bonus tips for choosing the right academic programs:
Pioneer Academics
In robotics or STEM, meticulous research is a key component. Pioneer Academics, the world’s only fully accredited online research program for high school students, connects students with all the resources they need in undertaking whatever research topic or project they wish to undertake.
At the culmination of the rigorous academic system, students are tasked to present a full-length research paper, the top 3% of which are published in The Pioneer Research Journal.
National Robotics Challenge
The National Robotics Challenge sets itself apart from other robotics competitions by offering a unique and open-ended approach. Its inclusive setup from 6th grade to graduate school offers a platform to engage with peers at various academic levels, making it a key step for many pursuing STEM-related careers.
Established in 1986, the competition today includes twelve contest categories, drawing teams from around the world, thereby increasing the chance of encountering fellow students with a shared interest.
Participants not only demonstrate their understanding of technology, manufacturing, robotics, and automation but also compete in online challenges, abiding by strict rules while showcasing their innovative robots.
The mission of this competition is to foster creativity, problem-solving, and leadership skills among students globally through competitive engineering challenges, contributing significantly to the pool of future innovators.
| Format | Submission and In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Cash Prize from Honda and Honda Innovation Awards |
| Program Dates | April 13th-15th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | February 24th, 2023 |
| Format | Submission and In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Cash Prize from Honda and Honda Innovation Awards |
| Program Dates | April 13th-15th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | February 24th, 2023 |
Best Robotics Competition
The Best Robotics Competition inspires students to pursue careers in STEM fields through the exciting process of robotics design. Teams participate in a heated contest across five required categories: engineering notebook, marketing presentation, team exhibit, spirit and sportsmanship, and robot performance.
The Best Award honors the top three teams that excel in promoting engineering, science, and technology through teamwork, sportsmanship, local community involvement, and adherence to strict rules of the design process.
Year after year, the competition reports increased participation, inspiring students worldwide in the field of competitive robotics.
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Awards |
| Program Dates | Depending on States |
| Application Deadline(s) | Depending on States |
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Awards |
| Program Dates | Depending on States |
| Application Deadline(s) | Depending on States |
Rube Goldberg Machine Contests – The Rube Goldberg Institute
The Rube Goldberg Machine Contests present a unique opportunity for participants of all ages to build machines from discarded household items.
As the only STEM competition requiring zero cost, it embraces sustainability and encourages creativity. Participants can compete as individuals or teams and submit a non-edited video of their working machine performing the given task.
Machines are judged by an RGI panel of experts on criteria such as entertainment value, creativity, complexity, humor, and task completion.
| Format | Submission |
|---|---|
| Cost | Visa gift cards, Rube swag, trophies and showcased in social media |
| Program Dates | Rolling submissions |
| Application Deadline(s) | March 23rd, 2023 |
| Format | Submission |
|---|---|
| Cost | Visa gift cards, Rube swag, trophies and showcased in social media |
| Program Dates | Rolling submissions |
| Application Deadline(s) | March 23rd, 2023 |
TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science)
TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science) is an annual STEM competition offering middle school and high school students the opportunity to solve real-world engineering challenges collaboratively.
The competition increases students’ knowledge of STEM subjects and boosts their confidence in participating in STEM activities. It is a one-day, three-part competition that includes a Design/Build challenge, a Multiple Choice test, and an Essay focused on a chosen theme.
Groups with combined overall state-level scores in the top 20% will qualify for the 2023 National TEAMS Competitions.
| Format | Submission and In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Awards and top teams will be able to compete at the National TEAMS Competitions. |
| Program Dates | February 11th - March 3rd, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | September 1st, 2022 - January 27th, 2023 |
| Format | Submission and In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Awards and top teams will be able to compete at the National TEAMS Competitions. |
| Program Dates | February 11th - March 3rd, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | September 1st, 2022 - January 27th, 2023 |
Botball Robotics Program
Botball Educational Robotics Program offers a team-oriented robotics competition for middle and high school students, aligning perfectly with the new common core standards. By engaging learners in an inquiry-based, hands-on activity, Botball® equips them with creativity and leadership skills.
The program begins with Botball Educator Workshops in January, February, and March, where team leaders and mentors receive technology training and learn about that year’s game. After a build period of about 7 weeks, students compete in their regional tournament with the robots they have designed, built, programmed, and documented.
NASA’s Robotics Alliance Project supports Botball in several ways, including logistical support, hosting tutorials and tournaments, webcasting events, and funding for enhanced curriculum website development.
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Cash awards |
| Program Dates | January 2023 - March 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission |
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Cash awards |
| Program Dates | January 2023 - March 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | Rolling Admission |
World Robot Olympiad (WRO)
The World Robot Olympiad (WRO) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote robotics in STEM education worldwide. The WRO operates based on values such as diversity, teamwork, passion, innovation, and empowerment, striving to make robotics accessible to young individuals from all backgrounds and inspiring them to be digital pioneers, innovators, and engineers.
The international final of WRO, a highly-anticipated event that involves over 400 groups and draws over 2,500 visitors, takes place in a different country each year. In 2023, the WRO International Final will be held in Panama City, Panama from November 7 to 9.
| Format | Submission and In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Awards. Winning your country’s competition qualifies you for the International one. |
| Program Dates | Depending on Partner Country |
| Application Deadline(s) | Depending on Partner Country |
| Format | Submission and In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Awards. Winning your country’s competition qualifies you for the International one. |
| Program Dates | Depending on Partner Country |
| Application Deadline(s) | Depending on Partner Country |
Conrad Challenge
The Conrad Challenge, an annual global robotics competition, sparks the entrepreneurial spirit in students aged 13-18. This competition promotes collaboration among student teams, providing a platform to build innovative robots that tackle global challenges.
With each stage, each robotics team refines its design, working towards the high-stakes first championship. Participating students, mentored by their adult helpers, gain practical STEM knowledge and develop skills applicable to future STEM-related careers.
The competition’s impressive reach in the 2022-2023 season saw over 950 groups, marking a significant increase in interest in robotics education worldwide.
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Become a Pete Conrad Scholar, receive prizes such as scholarships, pro-bono legal and consulting services, and a Dell Chromebook. |
| Program Dates | January 13th - April 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | January 13th, 2023 |
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Become a Pete Conrad Scholar, receive prizes such as scholarships, pro-bono legal and consulting services, and a Dell Chromebook. |
| Program Dates | January 13th - April 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | January 13th, 2023 |
Alabama Robotics Competition
The competition hosted by the University of Alabama’s Department of Computer Science focuses on robotics. Participants are challenged to design and build autonomous robots capable of completing various tasks within a designated time frame.
The contest encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and technical skills. Teams compete against each other in a thrilling showcase of their robot’s capabilities. The event provides an opportunity for participants to showcase their creativity and expertise in robotics while fostering innovation and collaboration within the field.
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Prizes and awards will be given to the top-four teams in each division (Elementary School, Middle School, High School). |
| Program Dates | April 1st, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | February 28th, 2023: We will begin sending out invitations on a rolling basis until all team tables are full. |
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Prizes and awards will be given to the top-four teams in each division (Elementary School, Middle School, High School). |
| Program Dates | April 1st, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | February 28th, 2023: We will begin sending out invitations on a rolling basis until all team tables are full. |
Robofest 2023
Robofest, a unique robotics competition hosted by Lawrence Technological University, turns the spotlight on students’ grasp of STEAM principles and computer science, including AI.
This robotics competition allows groups to design, construct, and program robots with freedom in kit selection and programming language.
Robofest has categories ranging from autonomous robotics missions testing math skills, to interactive medical robotics projects, and even an unknown mission challenge for an element of surprise.
Teams, competing year-round, demonstrate such determination and creativity, truly inspiring the new generation of STEM professionals.
| Format | Submission and In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Cash Prizes and Awards |
| Program Dates | May 13th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | May 3rd, 2023 |
| Format | Submission and In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | Cash Prizes and Awards |
| Program Dates | May 13th, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | May 3rd, 2023 |
FIRST: Robotics Competition
FIRST Robotics Competition is an immersive, competitive robotics experience where high school students and adult mentors unite to tackle common challenges.
This annual competition sees qualifying teams design, build, and program robots, while raising funds, boosting teamwork skills, and fostering STEM appreciation within their local community.
Beyond the thrill of the competition, teams are celebrated for robot design, programming, community outreach, and overcoming obstacles, with the overall experience taking precedence over the mere act of winning.
The competition inspires students to compete year-round, nurturing future innovators and keeping interest in STEM subject areas steadily high.
The FIRST Robotics Competition season concludes with local and regional events, where qualifying teams compete for awards and a coveted spot in the FIRST Championship.
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | $80 Million in Scholarships to Colleges, Universities, and Technical Programs |
| Program Dates | April 19th-22nd, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | January 31st, 2023 |
| Format | In-person |
|---|---|
| Cost | $80 Million in Scholarships to Colleges, Universities, and Technical Programs |
| Program Dates | April 19th-22nd, 2023 |
| Application Deadline(s) | January 31st, 2023 |
💡Bonus tips in choosing the right academic programs:
Learn More
If you’re a high school student interested in learning more about the best robotics competitions for High School Students, we encourage you to attend a free online information session.
Doing research is commonplace.
