Robots are one of the most beloved technologies for students interested in engineering. With basic programming and mechanical engineering skills, kids of all ages can build impressive robots that can complete a variety of tasks. For students who want to take it to the next level, there are some excellent STEM robotics contests in which they can hone their skills and show off their knowledge. In today’s post, we’ll review some of the best robotics competitions for kids including options hosted by NASA and MIT, sharing different options for different ages and interests. Your child might be really excited about some of the prizes!
Build robotics skills and get project inspiration, by enrolling your child in an award-winning online robotics classes. Start with Junior Robotics class led live by an expert, and designed by professionals from Google, Stanford, and MIT. They can even earn a certificate! They might also enjoy this free Snap Circuits event.
Discover Educational Robotics Competitions For Kids
Robotics competitions can be open to kids of all ages! We break down some great competitions for kids ranging from early elementary to high-school seniors.
Robotics Competitions For Elementary Students
1. VEX IQ Challenge
VEX, hosted by the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation, is a great way to get elementary school students involved in competitive robotics. Each year, there is a specific robotic challenge that students must team up to solve. There are also options for middle schoolers.
- Dates: Varies based on region
- Prize: Prestigious awards include trophies, certificates, and sometimes scholarships or invitations to higher levels of competition like the VEX Robotics World Championship
2. Wonder Workshop Robotics Competition
Every year, Wonder Workshop hosts a Robotics Competition that is done completely online. Elementary students may participate in the Innovator or the Pioneer Cup, forming teams to solve a virtual robotics challenge. Students will need one of the popular Dash or Cue robots, and the enthusiasm to solve an open-ended problem with a group of their peers.
- Dates: Opens in April, closes in March
- Prize: Feature on the Wonder Workshop Website, STEM Grant, Robots for each teammate
3. RoboCupJunior
RoboCupJunior is an international robotics competition designed for students from elementary to high school. The competition focuses on teamwork and problem-solving as students build and program robots to compete in various challenges, such as soccer matches, rescue missions, and dance performances. The RoboCupJunior competition is an excellent opportunity for students interested in AI and robotics to showcase their skills in a global setting.
- Dates: National and international competitions, with finals typically held in June or July
- Prize: Medals, trophies, and the opportunity to advance to international championships
Robotics Competitions For Middle School Students
4. BEST Robotics Competition
The BEST, or Boosting Engineering Science & Technology Competition, is open to students all over the US. Join a school team and compete virtually or in person to solve an industry problem and develop a robotic product. Successful teams go head to head in a championship. This competition is open to both middle and high school students.
- Dates: Typically runs September-December
- Prize: The BEST Award, and other prizes depending on location
5. World Robot Olympiad’s Robomission
The WRO hosts an exciting, task-based competition for students of all ages and levels. Teams compete in a LEGO-based game space to solve a real-world problem, ranging from putting out a fire to doing household chores. There are multiple levels that may be suitable for this age range: most middle schoolers may want to do Robomission Junior, but the levels above or below may also be appropriate.
- Dates: National Championships for the US are in August
- Prize: Varied based on country
6. NASA's Botball Robotics
Botball is a unique competition that integrates robotics with computer science and engineering, held by NASA. Open to students from middle school to high school, Botball challenges participants to design, build, and program autonomous robots to complete a specific task on a game board. The competition emphasizes coding skills, as all robots must operate without remote controls.
- Dates: Regional and national tournaments, with events typically held in the spring
- Prize: Trophies, awards for programming excellence, and opportunities to compete at the Global Conference on Educational Robotics
Robotics Competitions For High School Students
7. First Robotics
First Robotics is likely one of the more well-known competitions on this list. Ambitious high schoolers can register or join a local team and compete in Distinct, Regional, and Championship events, all focused on using robotics to solve a specific task. Find a team near you - they’re pretty common and always looking for more talent.
- Dates: Competitions track with the US school year
- Prize: College scholarship money
8. MIT's Zero Robotics
Zero Robotics offers a truly out-of-this-world experience for high school students by allowing them to program robots that operate on the International Space Station (ISS). In this competition, students work together to code and control small satellites aboard the ISS, solving complex problems in microgravity. It’s an extraordinary opportunity for students interested in space exploration, robotics, and computer science.
- Dates: Registration typically opens in the summer, with competitions running through the school year
- Prize: Trophies, certificates, and the incredible experience of having code run on the ISS
9. MATE ROV Competition
A cool twist on the standard robotics competition, the MATE Remotely Operated Vehicle competition requires students to build a robot that functions underwater. This competition is great for any students whose STEM passions extend to climate change, green energy, and even oceanography. The competition requirements are lengthy, but the skills gained and experience are definitely worth it.
- Dates: Information for the competition is released in November, and regional events are held in the spring
- Prize: Martin Klein or Oceaneering HSE awards
Preparation Tips For Robotics Competitions For Kids
Preparing for a robotics competition can be an exciting yet challenging journey for kids. To ensure your child is ready to showcase their skills effectively, here are some actionable tips:
1. Create a Project Timeline
Help your child break down the project into manageable tasks with deadlines. This timeline should include design, building, coding, and testing phases. Regularly reviewing the timeline can keep the project on track and help your child manage their time efficiently.
2. Conduct Practice Runs
Just like in sports, practice is key in robotics. Set up mock competitions where your child can test their robot under simulated competition conditions. This helps them get used to the pressure of performing under time constraints and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
3. Encourage Documentation
Having your child keep a detailed journal of their design process, code iterations, and problem-solving steps is invaluable. This not only helps in reflecting on their work but also prepares them for interviews or presentations during the competition.
4. Balance Technical and Creative Aspects
While technical skills are crucial, creativity can set your child’s project apart. Encourage them to brainstorm innovative solutions, explore different design options, and incorporate unique features that demonstrate their creativity.
5. Focus On Managing Stress and Pressure
Teach your child stress-management techniques such as deep breathing or taking short breaks. Keeping a positive attitude and staying focused can help them perform their best during the competition.
Preparation Resources For Robotics Competitions For Kids
Here are some valuable resources to help your child learn and improve their robotics skills:
1. Online Robotics Courses For Kids
To get prepared for competition, check out Junior Robotics, where we teach robot basics through interactive, live, online classes. Or our fun online robotics camps. Alternatively for older students in grades five plus, consider our advanced programming classes in Python that will help build the coding skills required to thrive in upper level competitions
2. After-School Robotics Clubs
Look for local robotics clubs or after-school programs where kids can join like-minded peers and continue working on robotics projects.
3. Robotics Books For Kids
Consider investing in books such as Making Simple Robots: Exploring Cutting-Edge Robotics with Everyday Stuff by Kathy Ceceri. Robotics books offer insights into robotics concepts and hands-on projects.
4. DIY Robotics Projects
Encourage your child to explore DIY projects like these at home. By engaging in robotics projects for kids, such as programming a simple bot to navigate virtual obstacles, children aren't just learning how to build and code; they're understanding how these same principles apply to the robots in manufacturing plants, hospitals, and beyond, that are reshaping our modern landscape.
Enter Robotics Competitions For Kids
We hope you and your child have found a suitable robotics competition. Up next, explore fun STEM competitions and math competitions.
Written by Sarah Rappaport, who graduated from Northwestern University with undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering and music. She's now working on a masters in data with Georgia Institute of Technology. She taught math and computer science with Teach for America for two years, and now works as a Systems Engineer.
