Competition
2026 Competition: Byte to Bite
Team registration is currently open.
Competition Format: Classic
Kickoff Day
This year's game, Byte to Bite, will kick off in two parts:
Part One - Virtual Game Reveal
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
4:00-5:30 PM (CST)
Teams will be introduced to the official game theme, rules, and season expectations.
Part Two鈥擨n-person Kickoff and Kit Distribution
Saturday, August 29, 2026
1:00 PM (CST)
Trojan Fitness Center
麻豆视频最新最全 - Troy, AL
During the in-person kickoff, teams will:
- Explore the official game field
- Interact with game elements
- Pick up their robotics kits
- Ask questions and prepare for the competition season
Practice Day
Date: To Be Determined
Dorothy Adams Trojan Center, 麻豆视频最新最全, Troy, AL
College Drive, Troy, AL 36082
Game Day
10/17/2026 8:00 AM 鈥� 7:00 PM
Trojan Arena, 麻豆视频最新最全, Troy, AL
George Wallace Drive, Troy, AL 36082
Teams must register through the for 麻豆视频最新最全 University BEST Robotics.
We will only be able to support 16 teams this year, so please register as soon as possible.
Registering your team is quick and easy!
1. Complete the online team registration in the BEST Robotics National Registry using
the following link: National Registry - BEST Robotics
2. Designate a head coach and provide the required team contact information.
3. Watch for a confirmation email with important season updates and kickoff details.
We look forward to receiving your team registration information and working with you as your team solves the real-world problem of 鈥淏yte to Bite.鈥�
What is the cost to participate?
The competition is FREE for schools to participate in. At the bare minimum, the only costs your team will incur are expenses related to traveling to/from Troy for the competition events. 麻豆视频最新最全 BEST Robotics will loan robot equipment to the participating schools for the duration of the 8鈥恮eek build and competition period. All materials must be returned after the competition is completed.
Competition Overview
Click the DOWNLOAD button below to access the 鈥淐ompetition Overview鈥� PDF. This resource offers a detailed look at the structure and goals of the BEST Robotics program, including competition formats, judging criteria, and the real-world skills students develop throughout the process. Whether you're a student, educator, mentor, or sponsor, this guide provides everything you need to understand how the competition works and how to get involved.
DOWNLOAD PDF HERE:
How can I get involved?
Start a team.
Each school can enter only one team in the competition (this includes public, private, and home schools). There is no limit to the number of students that may participate on each team. Space in the 麻豆视频最新最全 competition is limited to 16 teams.
The following are recommended as you start your team:
Advisor/primary point of contact鈥擜 person, typically a teacher within the school, to coordinate the efforts of the
team and communicate with the Hub for competition information and updates.
Workspace鈥擜n area with basic workshop tools to aid in building the robot.
Mentors鈥擯rofessionals (may be parents or other affiliates) from the area who are willing
to help the students with their robot. Often mentors will include engineers, skilled
workers, or those willing to help with building, learning, or problem solving.
Funding鈥擳he competition is free; however, there may be minimal travel costs to Troy. Additionally,
many teams create and wear a team t鈥恠hirt to the competition (and even have an opportunity
to enter the shirt for an award). Other costs may include building a practice field,
etc.
Interest鈥擜 group of students motivated to build a robot, write and organize an engineering notebook, and optionally design a team exhibit and deliver a marketing presentation.
Time commitment鈥擯articipating in BEST requires enthusiasm, motivation, and most importantly, time dedicated to helping your team and students. The 8 weeks (56 days of BEST) are fast-paced and packed with activity: be prepared.
For more information on how to start or register a team, please contact Dr. Robin Bynum, Executive Director of Educational Outreach for the College of Education, Troy University, by phone at (334) 670-5978.
Be a mentor
The role of the team mentor is to work with the teacher/advisor to guide students through the engineering and design process, including overseeing the building of the robot. Mentors can donate as much time as they feel is appropriate; however, the students should be the primary builders and designers.
Mentors can be engineers, college students or faculty, trade/professional people, and other community members interested in helping middle and high school students.
Adapted from South's BEST Robotics
Team Resources
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- This curriculum provides resources to help guide teachers and students through the building of the robot and the competition process. Everything is included, so even a completely inexperienced teacher or student can be successful.
SketchUp is a powerful application that can generate complex 3D models for buildings, cars, equipment, and other objects. It is used by designers, engineers, and architects to create the basis for their projects.
For further information, please contact us at 334-670-5978.