MassRobotics this week introduced its fourth annual Type and Operate Robotics Problem. For the problem, chosen college groups could have the chance to compete for a $10,000 grand prize. There are $1,000 awards for second and third place, in addition to a $1,000 Viewers Alternative Award.
Purposes at the moment are open and will probably be accepted by Feb. 2, 2026. The problem invitations individuals from all over the world to showcase progressive robotics initiatives. The problem will culminate in stay, in-person demonstrations for trade leaders, buyers, and the broader robotics group on the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo. The occasion will probably be in Boston on Could 27 and 28.
MassRobotics mentioned it’s the largest impartial robotics hub devoted to accelerating innovation, commercialization, and adoption. Its said mission is to assist create and scale the following era of profitable robotics and AI expertise firms.
The nonprofit added that it offers entrepreneurs and startups with the workspace, sources, programming, and connections they should develop, prototype, take a look at, and commercialize their merchandise and options.
MassRobotics seeks inventive options to actual issues
The Type and Operate Robotics Problem offers college students a platform to show inventive options for a variety of issues, mentioned MassRobotics. It’s in search of initiatives that steadiness compelling design with real-world performance.
MassRobotics mentioned will consider submissions on each technical execution and presentation high quality. The group added that it’ll emphasize techniques that work inside lifelike prototyping constraints whereas delivering sturdy type and performance.
Earlier profitable groups have represented main establishments. These embrace Northeastern College, Tufts College, Seoul Nationwide College, Harvard College, Wentworth Institute of Expertise, the College of British Columbia, MIT, Indiana College Bloomington, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), and the College of Waterloo.
Companions to assist Type and Operate Problem groups
MassRobotics companions Superior Micro Units, Dassault Systèmes, Harmonic Drive, Maeden, maxon motor, and Mitsubishi Electrical are supporting the problem.
“AMD is dedicated to powering the following era of robotics startups by delivering the suitable platforms that allow breakthrough innovation,” mentioned KV Thanjavur Bhaaskar, robotics lead at AMD. “That journey begins on the supply, academia, the place daring concepts are first imagined and engineered.”
“Mitsubishi Electrical Automation is proud to assist the Type and Operate Robotics Problem and our longstanding partnership with MassRobotics,” added Dr. William Nguyen, growth supervisor at MEAU. “By offering college students with entry to industrial-grade PLCs, HMIs, Servos, Robotics simulation software program, we’re serving to bridge educational innovation with real-world automation.”
“At maxon, we’re excited to again the Type and Operate Robotics Problem by offering scholar groups with the excessive‑precision motors and controllers they should carry their ideas to life,” mentioned Nicole Mathieu, senior inside gross sales engineer for mobility options and industrial automation at maxon. “This initiative connects classroom innovation with the efficiency requirements of actual‑world engineering.”


