Students Compete for $10K in Boston Robotics Challenge

Students with bold robotics ideas now have a shot at $10,000 and the spotlight at one of the nation's biggest robotics gatherings.

MassRobotics announced this week that applications are open for its fourth annual Form and Function Robotics Challenge. University teams from around the globe can apply through February 2, 2026, for the chance to demonstrate their innovations at the 2026 Robotics Summit and Expo in Boston on May 27 and 28.

The competition seeks projects that marry creative design with practical functionality. MassRobotics will evaluate submissions on technical execution, presentation quality, and how well teams work within realistic prototyping constraints.

Beyond the $10,000 grand prize, second and third place teams each receive $1,000. An additional $1,000 Audience Choice Award puts power in the hands of attendees, including industry leaders and investors who make up the event's crowd.

Past winners represent some of the world's top institutions. Northeastern University claimed the 2025 title, while Seoul National University won in 2024. MIT, Harvard, Tufts, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Waterloo have all produced winning teams.

Major industry partners are backing the students with more than just prize money. AMD, Dassault Systèmes, Harmonic Drive, Maeden, maxon motor, and Mitsubishi Electric are providing resources to help teams succeed.

Mitsubishi Electric is offering access to industrial-grade programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, servos, and robotics simulation software. Maxon is supplying high-precision motors and controllers to help students meet real-world engineering standards.

The Ripple Effect

This competition does more than crown winners. It bridges the gap between classroom innovation and commercial reality, giving students hands-on experience with the tools and standards they'll encounter in their careers.

MassRobotics, the largest independent robotics hub in the nation, has built its mission around creating and scaling the next generation of robotics and AI companies. The nonprofit provides entrepreneurs and startups with workspace, resources, and connections to develop, prototype, test, and bring products to market.

By investing in student innovators now, these partnerships plant seeds for the robotics breakthroughs of tomorrow.