The National Robotics Challenge (NRC) is one of the longest-running robotics competitions in the world, dating back to 1986. It offers students from elementary through post-secondary levels a unique platform to apply and showcase their skills in engineering, robotics, and problem-solving. With contests spanning multiple categories, the NRC promotes creativity, teamwork, and the practical application of technology principles. In 2025, the competition will take place from April 3-5 in Marion, Ohio.
The NRC focusses on 12 divisions that are outlined in the 2025 rules manual.
Allen East Schools Manufacturing Workcell Team showing off their project (NORTech24)
Complementing this national event, the NORTech Robotics Challenge serves as an exciting precursor and preparation ground for teams. Held annually in late February at Bowling Green State University, this event mirrors the NRC's rules and offers participants a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their skills and test their robots in a competitive environment before facing the national stage. In 2025 the event will be held on February 20th.
How Schools Can Get Involved
Participating in the NORTech Robotics Challenge and the NRC is open to schools of all levels and does not require the use of any specific robotics kits. This inclusivity encourages creativity and resourcefulness among students, as they can utilize any materials and programming tools they have access to. Here's how schools can engage:
Form a Team: Schools can form teams across elementary, middle, high school, and post-secondary levels. Teams may represent public, private, or home-school groups.
Register for Events: Teams must register online for both the NORTech and NRC events. The registration process includes a team fee and an additional cost per robot entry.
Prepare and Build: Teams design, build, and program their robots based on the contest categories, such as Sumo Robots, Robot Maze, Combat Robots, and others.
Leverage the NORTech Challenge: Use the NORTech Robotics Challenge as a practice competition. Participants gain hands-on experience, receive feedback, and refine their designs and strategies.
Document the Process: For both competitions, teams are encouraged to maintain detailed documentation of their design process, iterations, and testing to showcase their innovation and learning.
The Unique Appeal of the Challenges
What sets these events apart is their focus on open robotics. Teams are free to create and innovate without constraints on using specific kits. This freedom supports diverse problem-solving approaches and encourages participation from schools with varying levels of resources. Both challenges emphasize professionalism, safety, and the educational value of robotics as a stepping stone to future careers in engineering and technology.
Four New Events for 2025
NORTech will feature four new competitions that make it easier for new schools to participate.
Shuttle Run,
Line Dancing
Line Following
Robotics Triathlon. (Robots who complete 1,2 &3)
These events are for schools who have Vex, Lego or some other robotics kits. Its not too late to put together a team! Registration will be open soon. Contact Gabe Oberlin for more information.
By participating in the NORTech Robotics Challenge, schools can prepare their students for the rigor of the NRC, fostering skills and confidence that extend beyond the competition arena. For more details on registration and event specifics,