One Cohesive Story:
RobotX is no longer a set of disconnected tasks, but a mission vignette simulating a real-world scenario in which maritime autonomy can provide capability to support recovery. This is a shift from isolated skill evaluation to holistic mission execution and evaluation.
Cross-Domain Integrated Behaviors:
Teams must demonstrate multiple uncrewed systems operating across multiple domains in a dynamic, semi-structured environment representing real-world challenges. RobotX will increase focus on collaborative mission execution rather than linear, single-unit operation.
Vehicle Requirements:
Teams must prepare a System of Systems:
All teams must compete with at least one Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV).
In addition to the USV, teams must incorporate an Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV) and/or an Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
Capability Levels:
Each mission task has capabilities divided by three levels:
Core Capabilities: Fundamental competencies required for safe and effective baseline autonomous operation.
Advanced Capabilities: Competencies that reflect growth in autonomy sophistication and real-world relevance.
Team Collaboration:
Teams may partner across disciplines, campuses, or borders and can formalize those partnerships up to (and during) the event. Joint teams will be treated as a single competition entry for scoring and awards.
Granted Platform Application:
To lower barriers for participation, teams can request a granted platform through our partnership with Blue Robotics. Platforms available include the BlueBoat and/or BlueROV2, or a stipend equivalent. Teams should prepare to submit an official signed letter of intent from their school/organization. More information can be found here: .
This Team Handbook contains the information that teams will need to compete at the 2026 Maritime RobotX Challenge. It includes task descriptions, rules and requirements, specifications and other guidance. This document will provide teams with a comprehensive understanding of what will be necessary to compete effectively.
The Maritime RobotX Challenge is a biennial international competition hosted by RoboNation and was established to foster student interest in robotic and autonomous systems.
The 2026 edition of the Maritime RobotX Challenge represents a significant shift in emphasis and level of challenge for the competition. There is a greater emphasis on cooperative, multi-domain autonomous operation of teams of uncrewed systems. All mission elements require cooperation between systems in more than one maritime domain for successful execution. While the initial mission elements will be demonstrated individually during early rounds, all of the demonstrated capabilities will be needed to complete the full mission in the finals rounds.
The goal of the Maritime RobotX Challenge is to expand the community of researchers and innovators capable of substantive contributions to the emerging field of autonomous and uncrewed, multi-domain vehicles.
The nominal winners are teams that score the most points. The real winners are participants who learn lasting lessons about working collaboratively to create an autonomous System of Systems (SoS) to accomplish a challenging mission in a complex environment.
Participants of the Maritime RobotX Challenge can expect to:
Increase technical proficiency;
Establish valuable professional connections; and
Enjoy the satisfaction of learning and collaborating while competing at a world-class level.
The Maritime RobotX Challenge builds upon the successful implementation of other student robotics competitions, such as RoboBoat (Autonomous Surface Vehicle), RoboSub (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle), and SUAS (Student Uncrewed Aerial Systems). Teams are encouraged to learn from their participation in competitions such as these and apply their skills to the more advanced challenges presented in RobotX.
Maritime autonomous technology is critical to monitoring and healing our oceans, as well as applying that technology when dealing with post-disaster maritime scenarios. Developing the human resource to expand this effort is even more essential.
The RobotX Program is brought to you by RoboNation, Inc. and the U.S. Office of Naval Research.
Platforms may be team's own design or commercially available platforms, within the required size and weight restrictions (closely aligned with RoboNation's single-domain competitions: RoboBoat, RoboSub and SUAS).
Disruptive Capabilities: Transformative competencies pushing the boundary of autonomous systems - enabling novel or mission-critical applications.
2026-03-30
Initial Release
2026-04-07
Updated terminology to be consistent: "visual feedback system"
2026-04-14
Updates to Task 1 and 2 based on Team Time feedback and Requirements updates. Also standardized Capabilities demonstrated and a few formatting discrepancies.
2026-04-27
Updates to Task 3 and 4 based on Team Time feedback and Requirements updates.
2026-04-30
Updates to the UAV Resource Delivery details
2026-05-01
No overnight pool access
2026-05-16
UUV kill switch requirement updates
2026-06-17
Published new section for task build specifications.
2026-06-18
Section 3.1: Removed requirement to submit mount point pictures for USV, UUV.
Section 5.3: Removed general requirement for water-activated light for all uncrewed systems.
Section 5.3.3: Added requirement for water-activated light for UAVs, along with link to Amazon and image capture of the device.
2026-06-25
Section 3.1: Proof of Readiness
Added R/C block diagram details
Added propeller shrouds
Section 3.3.2: Updated behavior
Section 3.5.8: UAV Landing Platforms
2026-06-26
Updated Proof of Readiness deadlines and submission link.
2026-07-01
Proof of Readiness - UUV/USV Tethered Pair Alternate Course
2026-07-11
UUV Safety and Beacon Requirements
2026-07-27
USV Proof of Readiness Requirements and Alternatives
2026-08-06
Updated UAV requirements and added UAV Proof of Readiness criteria based on latest inputs from host nation leads.
Updated Task 1 content to clarify based on team questions. This includes emphasizing the requirement to circle the flashing blue and solid blue lights at the start/end of the attempt. Also updated the task example image.
Updated Task 2 imagery and text based on questions and feedback from teams.
Updated Task 3 imagery and text to clarify bay numbering scheme.
2026-08-07
Published Communications Proof of Readiness requirements
Published Communications Protocol and Team ID List