Applications for the 2025 challenge are open!! – Apply today!
Form & Function Robotics Challenge
Presented by MassRobotics, Altium, AMD, Analog Devices, Autodesk, Danfoss, FESTO, Harmonic Drive, Igus, Lattice Semiconductor, Maxon, Mitsubishi Electric, Novanta.
This challenge calls for university teams to create a robotics or automation project that delivers a compelling form factor specific to its tasks while accomplishing a useful function. The challenge is open to participants from around the globe, and encourages cross-collaboration between state-of-the-art software and hardware providers including MassRobotics strategic partners.
2025 Important timeline:
Offerings include:
Electronic Design Software
Ryzen 9 Minisforum Venus Pro
Electronic Components
CAD Software
XM100 & Remote Control
Pneumatic fittings, Rotary gripper, Gantry
Gears and Motors
Variety of components
iMX8 SoM module and Nvidia FPGA LDC
Motors and Controllers
PLC controllers & MQTT module
Drives, Inductive position encoders, RFID
2024 pAST cohort
Judges will score on a number of factors and criteria including:
- Originality
- Impact
- Overall execution
- Does this inspire?
- Use of partner technology
- Durability
- Does this impress?
- Problem – solving
- Reliability
Who is eligible to apply?
Teams of any size may apply. Teams must be affiliated with a college or university.
What is required at the Robotics Summit Demonstration?
Being the Form and Function Challenge, the team’s entry should function and look good. Teams may physically bring their project, a team or school banner and/or a poster.
Are there any team size limits?
No, a team can even be one person.
What about any IP?
All rights are retained by the teams and their schools. Individually in some cases there might be further NDA to be discussed with partners for usage of their equipment but this is on a case by case basis.
what is required at the conclusion of the challenge?
To be considered for the prize money, you must submit a 2 minute video about the project, it’s function, and what partner technology was used.
Is there any stipend for developing the project?
There is no stipend provided however the partners listed will be providing a variety of hardware and software resources to utilize.
Is there a travel stipend to present at the Robotics Summit & Expo?
No, there is no stipend for travel cost to showcase at the summit. This must be covered by individual teams who are interested in participating on-site during the event.
What if a team cannot physically make it to present at the Robotics Summit?
There can be accommodations made to display the project without someone present. This will be handled on a case by case basis.
How do I apply?
Simply fill out the application form listed at this link.
WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR THE FINAL PRESENTATION/JUDGING?
You should have a prototype/system that functions and uses 2 or more of the partners items (listed). All participants should provide a 2-3 minute video of their projects. This will be used for judging and also used for streaming at the Robotics Summit.
If you have more questions, please contact us at formandfunction@massrobotics.org.
Subscribe to the MassRobotics Newsletter
Learn about our residents and partners, participate in our events and challenges, and receive robotics and AI industry news.