Where Education Meets Innovation
For students eager to turn classroom lessons into career opportunities, the Automate 2026 Student Challenges both showcase skills and open doors. This year’s robotics competitions for students highlight the next generation of robotics and automation talent, giving them the chance to apply their technical knowledge, connect with industry leaders, and gain real-world experience that can jump-start their careers.
.jpg "Students use robotics and automation skills to solve real-world challenges. They also get to rub elbows with the companies leading the AI, robotics, and automation technologies driving the industry forward. - Ritch Ramey, Director of Education, Association for Advancing Automation")
That spirit of learning and collaboration is central to how A3 and its members help shape the workforce of tomorrow. With more than a million unfilled jobs in advanced manufacturing, many not requiring a four-year degree, events like the Student Challenges show that automation and robotics are rewarding and accessible avenues for students to explore.
Student Challenges at Automate 2026
Check out three robotics competitions for students, designed to put their programming and problem-solving skills to the test, all held live on the Automate show floor:
VEX Robotics High School Contest
High school robotics teams from across the country will take the stage in the VEX Robotics High School Contest, held inside the Education Pavilion at Automate 2026. These students will put their classroom knowledge to the test, designing the programming of autonomous robots to tackle automation-themed challenges. It’s an exciting chance to witness collaboration and creativity in motion as young innovators bring their ideas to life.
VEX Robotics Workcell Contest
The VEX Workcell Contest gives students the chance to operate small-scale workcells that simulate real-world manufacturing environments. Working in teams, participants use vision systems, sensors, and programming logic to complete automated production challenges. These contests bridge the classroom-to-career gap, letting students experience firsthand the precision and creativity that drive modern robotics.
Industrial Robotic Workcell Contest
For college and technical students, the Industrial Robotic Workcell Contest is the ultimate test of skill and problem-solving. Competitors configure and program full-sized industrial robots provided by A3 member companies, using the same technology found in advanced manufacturing plants. They’ll face real-world automation scenarios, tight tolerances, speed constraints, and troubleshooting under pressure, all while demonstrating the workforce-ready abilities employers are seeking.
Visit the Automate Student Challenge page for more information on rules, registration, and schedules.
Additional Education Events
Automation educators, students, and industry professionals alike will find an entire slate of inspiring problems happening throughout the show. In addition to the Student Challenges, make time to explore these must-see education and networking opportunities:
- A3 NextGen Student Tours: Attend guided tours connecting students directly with exhibitors and automation technologies.
- NextGen Theatre: Hear from industry experts and workforce leaders on future skills, automation education, and career pathways.
- Educator Day: Attend complimentary sessions and CEUs for teachers, featuring expert panels and networking opportunities.
- The Education Pavilion: Explore tools, curriculum, and exhibits that make robotics and automation more accessible in classrooms everywhere.
- The Automate Startup Challenge: See emerging innovators pitch their robotics and AI solutions live.
- Exhibit Floor: Alongside Automate’s dedicated education programming, explore the full show floor to see cutting-edge technology in action. Discover the latest innovations in robotics, vision, motion control, AI, and automation from more than a thousand exhibitors shaping the industry’s next great breakthroughs.
Which Education Events Are Right For Me?
Whether you’re an educator, a student competitor, or simply curious about the future of automation, there’s an Automate experience tailored for you:
STEM/Robotics/AI/Automation Educators
Automate is the perfect place to find new ways to inspire your students. Join Educator Day, tour the Education Pavilion, and connect with peers who are bringing robotics and automation into their classrooms.
Students Competing in Vex, FIRST, or SkillsUSA
Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines, the Student Challenges offer hands-on experience and chances to meet mentors, explore internships, and connect with the companies driving automation forward.
Anyone Considering a Career in Engineering, Robotics, Automation, or AI
If you’re curious about the fast-growing world of automation, there’s no better place to start. Automate 2026 offers direct access to industry insights, emerging technologies, and thousands of professionals working to shape the future of advanced manufacturing.
Join Us in Chicago for 2026
Be a part of the energy and inspiration shaping the future of automation. Automate 2026 returns to McCormick Place in Chicago, June 22-25, bringing together students, educators, and industry leaders from a one-of-a-kind showcase of education and technology. Register now, and come see the next generation of robotics live in action.
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