AUTOMATE STUDENT CHALLENGE
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ABOUT THE CHALLENGE
The Automate Student Challenge is back for 2026! Join middle and high school teams in the ultimate showdown of young minds in robotics and automation. It’s fast-paced, hands-on, and unlike any classroom project. Win or lose, competitors gain practical experience, solve real-world problems with automation, and connect with industry leaders who are shaping the future of automation.
This Year's Challenges
Click the + icon to see more details about each daily challenge!
Monday, June 22, 2026: Vex Robotics High School Contest
The deadline to apply is May 31st, 2026. Tournament Champions will receive a paid registration for the Kalahari Signature Event January 2027. Teams must register for Kalahari during the registration period in order to receive the paid registration. This is not a guarantee that your team will be accepted into the event.
Tuesday, June 23, 2026: FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC)
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Experience the future of engineering at the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Demonstration Contest as high school teams bring industrial-sized robots to the floor to take on fast-paced, game-based challenges. Built from a standard Kit of Parts and developed over a single season, each robot reflects months of design, programming, and iteration.
Operating under the philosophy of Coopertition®, teams compete in three-team alliances, balancing fierce competition with collaborative problem-solving. This 360-degree learning experience, guided by industry mentors, extends beyond the field as students develop unique team identities, manage fundraising, and lead STEM outreach in their communities. Join us to support these incredible teams and see where passion meets precision.
For information on how your team can participate, contact:
Sravan K. Suryadevara (he/him/his) – Regional Director, Illinois, FIRST ® [email protected] Phone: (603) 480-5709
Jonathan Sturm - Senior Analyst, Product, Managed Transportation [email protected]
Ritch Ramey – A3 Director of Education [email protected]
Wednesday and Thursday, June 24-25: SkillsUSA Competition
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The Automate SkillsUSA Robotics & Automation Technology Demonstration Contest is a two-day event where students demonstrate a variety of in-demand technical career skills. From programming and system setup to troubleshooting and implementation, teams design a Workcell layout with FANUC, Universal Robot, or Yaskawa robots. As the competition progresses, they must improve, adjust strategies, and push for stronger results across each task. This contest provides hands-on exposure to the tools and skills required to work in today’s industrial environments.
For more information on how you can participate, contact:
Ritch Ramey – Director of Education – A3 [email protected] (740) 360-8156
Graham Celine - VP Business Development & Marketing - Intelitek [email protected]
HEAR FROM REC FOUNDATION ON VEX ROBOTICS COMPETITIONS
DISCOVER MORE FOR STUDENTS
The Student Challenge is just the beginning. At Automate, you’ll find a full lineup of programs designed to open doors, spark ideas, and connect students with the leading companies and minds in the automation industry.
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