AUTOMATE STUDENT CHALLENGE

Welcome to the ultimate showdown of young minds in robotics and automation at this brand new event for 2025. Free for show registrants!

SEE CHALLENGES 

ABOUT THE CHALLENGE

The Automate Student Challenge is more than just a competition, it's a launchpad into the future of technology. Watch as pre-selected middle and high school student teams push the boundaries of innovation, turning their wildest automation ideas into reality.

Through hands-on challenges, expert mentorship, and real-world problem solving, participants will dive deep into the cutting-edge world of robotics. Whether you're competing or watching the competition, prepare to be amazed by the next generation of automation pioneers.

DON'T MISS THE ACTION

MONDAY & TUESday, May 12–13, 2025

10 AM – 3 PM (includes lunch break) 
Hall E – Student Education Pavilion
Square One Education Network’s V2X (Vehicle to Everything) Innovative Vehicle Design Challenge
Middle and high school teams will compete in an exciting demonstration contest that highlights their application of coding skills to real-world robotic, autonomous, and mobility challenges. In various missions, teams will showcase their V2X cars, designed to demonstrate advanced mobility, real-time communication, and smart automation. 

Teams are scored on the creativity behind the student-designed code, programming, and adaptive responses, as they push the boundaries of robotics and mobility innovation. The competition includes 3 mission challenges with a "First Responder" theme. The autonomous robotic vehicle is challenged to make a speedy "supply run," enter a disaster zone on a "Search and Rescue" mission, and provide "Safe Passage" for supplies through a danger zone. Learn more here!

The Square One Education Network is a Michigan-based nonprofit that supports K–12 students and teachers through hands-on, project-based STEM experiences. More information available at squareonenetwork.org.

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

10 AM – 2 PM (includes lunch break) 
Hall E – Student Education Pavilion
Robotics Education Competition Foundation (RECF) Robotics High School Demonstration Contest
Middle school and high school teams will compete in a demonstration contest showcasing their robotic and automation team building skills, with advanced challenges tailored to their skill level. Teams will demonstrate their expertise in robotics design, programming, and automation using the VEX V5 platform.
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VEX V5 is a metal-based robotics platform with bolt-together pieces that are machinable to create any mechanism. The VEX V5 Robotics Competition (V5RC) consists of matches played on a 12’x12’ square field. Two alliances, composed of two teams each, compete in matches consisting of an autonomous period followed by a driver-controlled period. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than the opposing alliance. Teams also compete in the Robot Skills Challenge where one robot takes the field to score as many points as possible.

THURSday, May 15, 2025

10 AM – 2 PM (includes lunch break) 
Hall E – Student Education Pavilion
Robotics Education Competition Foundation (RECF) VEX CTE Workcell Challenge
Students will demonstrate their VEX CTE Workcell kit solutions to the A3 VEX Workcell challenge. Using a sophisticated system including robotic arms, conveyors, and sensors, teams will showcase their manufacturing and automation skills.
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The A3 VEX Workcell is designed for Career and Technical Education. It introduces students’ concepts used by many automation companies with manufacturing concepts like construction, palletizing, and coordinate planes to empower the manufacturing workforce of the future with a foundation of understanding.

FIND MORE EVENTS FOR STUDENTS

Our show floor is filled with opportunities for students to get inspired and pave their way forward. From guided tours to a special pavilion, we’re here to advance the next generation. Looking to sign up a group for a tour? Please complete this form and a team member will be in touch.

SIGN UP FOR A TOUR