World Robot Olympiad
Regional Open Qualifier
Compete in Charlottesville for a chance to represent the USA at international championships
Qualify for International Championships
Americas Open Championship
Ontario, California — Sept 25-26, 2026
- Categories: All WRO competition categories
- Age groups: All age groups
- Spots: 1 per age group / category
Non-Americas Open Championships
Europe, Asia, Middle East & North Africa
- Regions: Europe, Asia, MENA
- Categories: All categories and age groups
- Spots: Minimum 1 per placement
2026 Theme: Robots Meet Culture
Competition Categories
RoboMission
Program autonomous robots to complete missions on a themed playing field. Available at Elementary, Junior, and Senior levels.
Future Engineers
Build a self-driving vehicle that navigates a track autonomously. Focuses on sensors, AI, and precision control.
Event Schedule
Friday, September 4
Pick up badges, find your pit table, drop off equipment. Practice on official fields is not permitted Friday evening.
Saturday, September 5
All teams receive badges.
Mandatory meeting to review rules, schedule, and procedures.
Welcome remarks and event kickoff.
Teams test robots on official competition fields. RoboMission challenge announcement.
Pits closed and secured.
Final adjustments before inspection.
RoboMission Elementary & Junior: Judging Session 1
RoboMission Elementary & Junior: Judging Session 2
RoboMission Elementary & Junior: Judging Session 3
Scores posted. Venue closes for the night.
Sunday, September 6
Teams arrive and settle into pits/booths.
RoboMission surprise challenge and Future Engineers obstacle randomization revealed.
Teams have 2 hours to adjust robots and code. Coaches are not permitted in pit areas during this time. Future Engineers teams submit engineering doc and answer judge questions.
Robots are reinspected and returned to quarantine.
Future Engineers: Open Challenge • RoboMission Elementary & Junior: Judging Session 1
Additional practice window.
Pits closed and secured.
Brief window for battery changes or final code adjustments.
Robots enter Parc Fermé for the final time.
Future Engineers: Open Challenge • RoboMission Elementary & Junior: Judging Session 2
Additional practice window.
RoboMission Elementary & Junior: Judging Session 3 • Future Engineers: Obstacle Challenge
Medals, trophies, and announcement of teams advancing to International Championships.
- Coaches must attend the mandatory meeting Saturday at 9:00 AM
- Coaches not permitted in pits during Sunday's 2-hour programming session
- All times subject to minor adjustments based on competition flow
Team Eligibility
Requirements to Participate
- Register directly through Blue Ridge Boost (no separate pass required)
- Meet WRO age and category eligibility requirements
- Teams of 2-3 members plus one coach
- Coach background check required — complete it here
Teams cannot compete unless their coach has completed the background check.
Why Compete at Blue Ridge Boost?
Direct Path to Championships
Top teams qualify for Americas Open Championship and international events in Europe, Asia, and MENA regions.
Community-Centered
A welcoming, well-organized competition run by experienced STEM educators who care about every team's experience.
Local & Accessible
Compete right here in Charlottesville — no long-distance travel for Mid-Atlantic teams.
Resources
Official Game Manuals & Rules
Access field descriptions, building instructions, and Q&A for all categories.
Competition Mats & Models
Purchase official WRO game mats, LEGO models, and challenge kits.
Note: Teams must provide their own robots. All robot systems are now allowed in all WRO categories for 2026!
Register Your Team
Select your category below to complete registration