Who: High School Combat Robotics Teachers & Students
When: Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 (9:00AM – 1:00PM)
Description: The BotsIQ season begins with our annual Teacher Professional Development Day on September 16th, 2026. Educators from across the Combat Robotics program come together for rule updates, technical training, season expectations, and networking before the new season officially begins.
Where: Commonwealth Charter Academy (162 East Bridge Street, Homestead PA, 15120)
For more information, contact Todd Landree ([email protected]).
Additional information will be released closer to the event date.
Who: 2nd-5th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Thursday, October 15th, 2026
Description: Students will explore circuits using Snap Circuits to build foundational knowledge, breadboards to construct and test custom electronic circuits, and Makey Makey technology to create interactive projects that demonstrate conductivity and input/output systems. Throughout the session, students will apply the engineering design process to analyze problems, test solutions, and refine their designs.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Register Here: https://www.jotform.com/form/262093559641160
Who: 6th-9th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 12:00PM – 2:30PM
Thursday, October 15th, 2026
Description: This advanced workshop challenges students to learn proper soldering techniques while working with electronic components on a PC Board. Participants will also practice soldering connections on a breadboard, gaining hands-on experience with more complex circuit assembly. Students will build confidence using industry-relevant tools and develop a deeper understanding of how electronic systems are constructed.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Register Here: https://www.jotform.com/form/262093559641160
Two-Session Programs!
Who: 2nd-5th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: Each session is from 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Description: This workshop introduces students to robotics and engineering through hands-on LEGO League challenges. Participants will build an advanced driving base and design custom attachments to complete a variety of mission-based tasks. Students will strengthen their problem-solving, teamwork, and engineering design skills as they iterate, test, and improve their robot solutions.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Register Here: https://www.jotform.com/form/262093559641160
Who: 6th-9th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: Each session is from 12:00PM – 2:30PM
Description: This workshop introduces students to robotics and engineering through the design and construction of VEX Sumo bots. Participants will assemble their robots, program them using basic coding concepts, and refine their designs for competitive Sumo-style battles against other robots. Students will develop skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and iterative design as they test, improve, and compete with their creations.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Register Here: https://www.jotform.com/form/262093559641160
Who: 9th-12th Grade Combat Robotics Teams (Invite Only)
When: Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026 (7:00AM – 5:00PM)
Description: The 2026 Plum Invitational is an invitation-only BotsIQ Combat Robotics event that will feature 20 selected teams from across Pennsylvania competing in full-contact robotic combat using returning robots from previous seasons. It will serve as an exciting kickoff to the 2026–2027 BotsIQ season and give teams an opportunity to get students engaged early, test returning robots, and reconnect with the BotsIQ community before the regular competition season begins.
Where: Plum High School (900 Elicker Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15239)
For more information, contact Todd Landree ([email protected]).
Additional information regarding spectators, schedules, livestreams, and event logistics will be released closer to the event date.
Who: 2nd-5th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 9:00AM – 11:30AM
Thursday, November 12th, 2026
Description: Students will design and build a model smart park that incorporates technology to enhance safety, accessibility, and visitor experience. Using microcontrollers, they will program interactive features such as automated lighting, motion-activated systems, or smart entrances. Through this hands-on engineering activity, students will explore coding, electronics, and automation while applying the engineering design process to develop innovative solutions for modern recreational spaces.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Register Here: https://www.jotform.com/form/262093559641160
Who: 6th-9th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, hands-on projects and making.
When: 12:00PM – 2:30PM
Thursday, November 12th, 2026
Description: Students will design a community park that meets the needs of its visitors while staying within a set budget. Students will create a scaled park map that includes features such as playgrounds, walking trails, picnic areas, sports courts, gardens, and other amenities. Each park feature will have an assigned cost, requiring students to prioritize resources, make strategic decisions, and manage their budget effectively.
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration Here: https://www.jotform.com/form/262093559641160
Who: 9th-12th Grade Combat Robotics Teams (Invite Only)
When: Thursday, March 4th-11th, 2027 (7:00AM – 5:00PM)
Description: The BotsIQ Combat Robotics season officially kicks into high gear at the CCAC Prelims on Thursday, March 4th, 2027 at CCAC’s Main Campus! As our first preliminary event of the year, teams battle for early momentum and critical seeding points heading into Finals.
Where: Community College of Allegheny County (Allegheny Campus) (808 Ridge Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212)
For more information, contact Todd Landree ([email protected]).
Additional information regarding spectators, schedules, livestreams, and event logistics will be released closer to the event date.
Who: 9th-12th Grade Combat Robotics Teams (Invite Only)
When: Wednesday/Thursday, March 10th-11th, 2027 (7:00AM – 5:00PM)
Description: Two full days of sparks, strategy, and destruction return to Westmoreland County Community College on March 10th–11th, 2027! Teams from across the region will compete in one of the largest preliminary combat robotics events of the season as they fight to improve their ranking before Finals.
Where: Westmoreland County Community College (145 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood, PA, 15697)
For more information, contact Todd Landree ([email protected]).
Additional information regarding spectators, schedules, livestreams, and event logistics will be released closer to the event date.
Who: 9th-12th Grade Combat Robotics Teams (Invite Only)
When: Friday/Saturday, April 9th-10th, 2027 (7:00AM – 5:00PM)
Description: The BotsIQ Combat Robotics Finals return to PennWest California on April 9th–10th, 2027 for our 22nd year of robotic destruction, innovation, and competition! Teams from across the region will battle for championships and glory in our largest event of the season and, for the first time ever, experience the debut of the new 3lb weight class! A 1/5 the size, twice the fun!
Where: PennWest California (250 University Avenue, California PA, 15419)
For more information, contact Todd Landree ([email protected]).
Additional information regarding spectators, schedules, livestreams, and event logistics will be released closer to the event date.
Who: 5th-8th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, and hands-on projects.
When: Each day is from 9:00AM – 2:00PM
July 27th-31st, 2026
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
Description: Students become creators—imagining, designing, and building unique projects. Through guided exploration, they experiment with materials, tools, and techniques that mirror real-world manufacturing processes while expressing their own artistic vision. Each project encourages innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration, empowering students to think like both artists and makers as they bring their designs to life.
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 5th-9th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, and hands-on projects.
When: Each day is from 9:00AM – 2:00PM
July 20th-24th, 2026
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
Description: Empower your creativity at a girls-only summer camp where crafting, art, and manufacturing come together in exciting hands-on projects. Campers will personalize their own creations by soldering, metal bending, and 3D printing.
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 2nd-5th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, and hands-on projects.
When: Each day is from 9:00AM – 12:00PM
July 13th-17th, 2026
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
Description: An Olympics-themed STEM summer camp invites students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through exciting, hands-on challenges inspired by Olympic sports. Campers work in teams to design, test, and improve projects using real engineering and problem-solving skills. Through friendly competition and creativity, students experience how STEM concepts power athletic performance and innovation—just like in the Olympics.
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 6th-9th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, and hands-on projects.
When: Each day is from 9:00AM – 2:00PM
July 6th-10th, 2026
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
Description: A coding and engineering summer camp where students dive into hands-on projects using micro:bits, Arduinos, and VEX robotics. Campers learn to code, build, and test their different creations while exploring sensors, motors, and real-world problem solving.
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
Who: 3rd-6th Grade youth with an interest in robotics, engineering, and hands-on projects.
When: Each day is from 9:00AM – 2:00PM
June 15th-19th, 2026
Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)
Description: A construction site–themed STEM summer camp immerses students in hands-on engineering challenges inspired by real-world building and design. Campers become junior engineers as they survey the site, plan structures, test materials, operate simple machines, and solve construction problems through teamwork and creativity. Through building, testing, and improving their designs, students learn how STEM skills turn ideas into strong, safe, and functional structures.
For more information, contact Suzanne Gloekler ([email protected]) or Oula Abdul Ghani ([email protected]).
Registration is required. Visit: https://form.jotform.com/conklin/botsiq-programs-2025-26
