Robotics

Top 11 Robotics Competition for Kids and Students 2024

Are you looking to build a career in one of the most promising fields? If your answer to this question is yes, then we have something for you.

Thanks to the advancements in modern technology, AI, ML, and robotics have emerged as the most in-demand and thriving career options.

According to several reports, “current projections show the robotics engineering professional market growing by 6.4% between 2016 and 2026. At the same time, the demand curve for robotics engineers continues to grow. More than 19,000 new jobs are projected to be formed in this field by 2029.”

If you are thinking of pursuing a career in robotics, now is a good time to start. From designing and building robots to programming and implementing artificial intelligence algorithms, you will be at the forefront of technological advancements. 

The best way to get started is by enrolling yourself in a robotics course. We have picked the Best Robotics Courses & Certificates Online. If you are already well-versed in the fundamentals, then you may take part in robotics competitions on local, national, or international levels to showcase your talent and skills. 

Let’s take a look at the top global robotics competitions for kids and students in 2024. 

Top Robotics Competitions for Students 2024

For your ease, we have categorized these competitions by age groups:

Elementary School (6–9 years old)

First Lego League (FLL) Explore/Challenge

This is a great competition and one of the most fun ways to learn about robotics for kids. The FLL ignites interest and cooperation using Lego robots. The competition is divided into two programs: Explore and Challenge. Explore is non-competitive and offers classes in science and technology. Whereas,  Challenge offers a competitive environment where students will design robots and engage in research and analysis. 

VEX IQ Competition

The VEX IQ Robotics Competition, run by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, is for both elementary and middle school students. It challenges them to do several tasks that enhance their understanding of STEM subjects—science, technology, engineering, and math—by giving them hands-on learning experiences. The competition also helps in developing skills for communication, teamwork, analytical thinking, and project management.

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Middle School (10–14 years old)

BEST Robotics Competition

The BEST competition offers a special experience where students create robots and integrate them as characters in themed stories with animations. It encourages innovative thinking, good communication skills, and the ability to solve problems.

Botball Educational Robotics Program

The Botball Robotics Program is sponsored by NASA. It teaches students to build robots to perform specific tasks that enhance their understanding of engineering and coding. It has different levels of difficulty, so students can learn step by step and get practical experience.

VEX Robotics Competitions

The VEX Robotics Competitions provide different thrilling challenges with robots for different age groups. Students create, construct, and code robots to take part in direct contests in designated play areas. It enhances their technical abilities, strategic planning, and competition sense.

The World Robot Olympiad

It is an international competition that takes place annually. The competition theme changes every year, ranging from environmental cleaning to disaster management. Thousands of groups participate in this competition. The participants use their skills to solve problems to make automated robots based on the ongoing theme. 

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High School (15–18 years old)

FIRST Robotics Challenge

This is a STEM competition for high school students. The students are divided into different teams that are tasked with creating industrial-sized robots under strict guidelines and limited time and resources. They must also raise money to meet their objectives and create a team “brand.”. Every year introduces a different challenge with unique goals, encouraging students to work together and invent new solutions. 

Zero Robotics Competition

Sponsored by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and NASA, the Zero Robotics competition takes place annually from September to November. Students are responsible for developing SPHERES (Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, and Reorient Experimental Satellites) for the International Space Station. Divided into groups, they program their robots to tackle a task before the competition starts. The students who make it to the final will participate in a live competition on the International Space Station. 

International RoboCup Junior

It is a global competition that tests a student’s skills in different types of robots, such as humanoids, rescue machines, and RoboDance. Different teams work together to create robots that are good at doing certain tasks and solving problems. 

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Other Prestigious Competitions

ISRO Robotics Challenge

Indian Space Research Organization, ISRO is launching its robotics competition in 2024. The IRoC-U 2024 will allow students to build robots for space tasks similar to real-world problems. It will provide a place where students work together, solve issues, and create new solutions, to collaborate with ISRO on creating space technology. The main competition is set to take place in August 2024 at the URSC Bengaluru Campus.

NASA’s Lunabotics Competition

The Lunabotics competition is for college students from recognized universities. It gives them the chance to use NASA’s system engineering methods for creating and constructing a prototype robot that can carry out planned tasks on the Moon, aiding objectives set by upcoming Artemis missions. Selected students will be able to create designs, perform tests, and compete with other college teams at the Kennedy Space Center.

The Bottom Line

The demand for professionals in robotics is expected to surge in the next few years. The above-mentioned competitions will provide a great opportunity for students to develop STEM skills and gain hands-on learning experience. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best robotics competition?

NASA’s Lunabotics, ISRO’s Robotics, and VEX Robotics competitions are the best robotics competitions around the globe. They provide students with ample opportunities to enhance their knowledge, work with the field leaders, and showcase their skills. 

What is the best high school robotics competition?

FIRST and Zero Robotics competitions are some of the greatest robotics competitions for high school students. 

Who can participate in the FIRST robotics competition?

Any high school student who has passion and knowledge of robotics can participate in the First Robotics Competition. However, there are certain prerequisites that every participant needs to meet. 

Raya

Raya is a tech enthusiast diving deep into New-Age technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). She is passionate about decoding the complexities and uses of new-age tech. Raya is on a mission to write articles that bridge the gap between technical jargon and everyday understanding, making AI and ML accessible to a wider audience.

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