>> Time for THE FINALS
Student teams advancing after Round 1 will be invited to travel to Rosemont, IL for the final rounds of competition held at SMTA International.
Round 2: Assembly - October 27, 2026
At the SMTA International Event, the focus shifts to hands-on execution—how well the students assemble their PCBs, manage rework, and validate electrical functionality. Judging will emphasize soldering quality and workmanship in a timed environment.
Round 3: The Final Challenge - October 28, 2026
The culminating event where student teams bring their completed robots to life in a real-world competition on a physical arena floor. This round evaluates the integration of electronics, firmware, mechanical design, and teamwork under pressure. It demonstrates how effectively teams turned their PCB design into a functional, mission-capable robot.
It all comes down to this!