Robotics Invitational

The College of Arts and Sciences and the Computer Science Division are proud to present the first TWU Pioneer Robotics Invitational.

This is not your average robotics competition. We are calling on teams of teams of two-three students from every academic discipline to design, build and drive a robot in a fast-paced, head-to-head challenge. Whether you are a future nurse, fashion designer, historian or biologist, this event is for you.

Compete in the Pioneer Division using our provided LEGO Spike kits to battle for your share of $3,000 in scholarships! Do you have your own custom-built robot? Bring it to our Open Robot Showcase! This non-competitive event is the perfect place to display your advanced projects, with the Minerva Award for Innovation and its tech prize waiting for the most ingenious creation.

This is a competition that celebrates all forms of talent. High-value tech prizes will be awarded for the most creative designs, the most innovative solutions and the best teamwork. No experience is necessary. All you need is a great idea and a competitive spirit. Grab a couple of friends and sign up to represent your department, division, or program!

• Who: teams of two-three students from any major. No experience required.
• When: Nov. 11, 2025
• Location: Fit&Rec Center Gymnasium
• Grand prizes: $3,000 scholarship awarded by judges

Commitment to universal access

The TWU Pioneer Robotics Invitational is for everyone, and we are committed to a welcoming and accessible event. We will be providing live ASL interpretation for key ceremonies and play-by-play audio commentary for competition matches. All digital materials will be screen-reader friendly. If you have any questions, please contact dgardner@twu.edu.

Schedule

8-9 a.m.: team check-in, pit setup and robot inspection

9-9:30 a.m.: opening ceremony and driver's meeting

9:30-11 a.m.: Pioneer Division qualification matches

11 a.m.-noon: pit break

Noon: final rankings (top eight teams advance)

12:15-1:45 p.m.: Pioneer Division elimination bracket

1:45-2:15 p.m.: judges' deliberation and field cleanup

2:15- 2:45 p.m.: awards ceremony and closing remarks

Official rulebook: The Pioneer Power-Up

These rules apply specifically to teams participating in the Pioneer Competition category.

1. The objective

The objective of The Pioneer Power-Up is to score more points than your opponent in a two-minute match by moving power cells from the center of the arena into your team's goal.

2. Game flow (two-minute match)

Each match is divided into two phases:

• Driver control period (1 minute, 30 seconds): Teams operate their robots using controllers to score as many regular power cells as possible.
• Autonomous period (final 30 seconds): An alarm will sound. Drivers must put their controllers down. The robots will then execute a pre-loaded autonomous program to score a special bonus cell.

3. Scoring

• Regular power cell: one point for each cube scored in your goal.
• Autonomous bonus cell: five points for scoring the special, different-colored cube in your goal during the Autonomous Period.

4. Robot rules

4.1 General pioneer competition rules

• Starting size: At the beginning of each match, every robot must fit within an 18x18x18-inch sizing box. Robots may expand after the match begins.

• Safety: Robots may not have parts designed to intentionally damage the field, game elements or other robots. This includes sharp edges, projectiles or mechanisms that could entangle another robot.

4.2 Pioneer Division construction

• Construction: Robots must be built using only parts from the single, provided VEX IQ (or LEGO SPIKE Prime) kit.

5. General conduct

This event is a celebration of creativity and collaboration. Teams are expected to compete with a positive spirit and show respect for fellow competitors, volunteers and judges at all times.

Event Code of Conduct

1. Introduction and purpose

Our primary goal is to host an exciting and welcoming event that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. This Code of Conduct exists to ensure that all participants, volunteers, mentors, and spectators have a safe, positive and memorable experience. By participating in this event, you agree to uphold these standards.

2. Core principles

All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the following principles:

• Respect: Treat all individuals, including teammates, opponents, volunteers, judges and staff, with courtesy and professionalism. We celebrate the diverse backgrounds and skills that each person brings to this event.
• Collaboration: While this is a competition, the spirit of the event is one of mutual support and learning. Helping a fellow team with a spare part or a piece of advice is encouraged.
• Safety: Prioritize the safety of yourself and those around you at all times in the pit area and around the competition field.
• Integrity: Compete with honesty and good sportsmanship.

3. Participant conduct

• Follow all instructions from event staff and volunteers (e.g., referees, pit managers, queuing staff).
• Maintain a positive and constructive attitude. Frustration is a part of engineering, but disrespectful language or behavior is not.
• The use of inappropriate, harassing or discriminatory language or imagery is strictly prohibited.
• Be mindful of your area. Keep your pit table tidy and walkways clear to ensure a safe environment for everyone.

4. Event area and competition conduct

4.1 Pioneer competition field

• The head referee's decisions are final. Questions should be directed to the referee in a calm and respectful manner by a student team member.
• During a match, only the designated student drivers are permitted in the driver station area.

4.2 General event conduct

• Intentionally damaging another team's robot, the field or any event equipment is forbidden.
• Keep walkways clear and be mindful of your assigned pit or showcase space.

5. Consequences

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in consequences at the discretion of the event coordinator. For infractions occurring during a match, the head referee has final authority on match-related decisions. Consequences can range from a verbal warning to disqualification from a match or, in serious cases, removal from the event.

6. Reporting

If you witness or experience any behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please report it immediately to the pit manager or the event coordinator so that it can be addressed promptly.

Thank you for helping us make the TWU Pioneer Robotics Invitational a fantastic experience for the entire university community!