Projects may be constructed from kits or published drawings, modified from other devices to create new applications, or constructed from the student's own concepts and designs. All entries must be a working and functional piece of electro-mechanical hardware in which movement and intent is controlled through student created programming. Examples of commercially available kits are robotic “arms” or robot movers, Lego and K'Nex style building kits, Capsella, VEX, and Technics style robotics kits. Devices controlled through direct, real time remote control by the student are not appropriate (ie: remote controlled cars). Once started, the robotics project should operate as a standalone independent machine without human interaction.

A project may have a single member or a two person team, but teams and individuals will compete against each other within grade groupings.

Regardless of the length or complexity of the project, the judge time slots are 15 minutes in length. Judges may view only a portion of the actual project.

Judges will use a category rubric as a guideline for exemplary characteristics of projects in this category. Students should use the rubric as a guide for what judges are looking for.