General Info

The 2025 Automate Automation Convention in Detroit will host a thrilling 24-team competition. The victorious teams will earn a coveted prize: complimentary entry to the Kalahari Signature Event in 2026.

More information here:   Automate

Registration Information

All participating teams must be registered with VEX V5 Robotics Competition on the Robot Events website and have an official team number before registering for this event. Tournament fees must be paid before teams are allowed to compete. Registration and payments should be made through the Robot Events website.

Engineering notebooks

We will not be be judging notebooks and will also not interview competitors. This is just a demonstration contest.

Lunch and Concessions

Lunch will be provided to the competitors

Elimination Matches

We will only compete for 4 hours. The number of matches depends on how many teams we have in the contest. 

Competition Preparation

All teams should come prepared for competition. Here are a few steps that every team should take to ensure that they are prepared.

Review all game information: Current Game Webpage

1. Review the rules and run through the inspection checklist about a week before the competition so that there is ample time for adjustments. Robots must use VEX V5 parts. Please self inspect before arriving at the tournament using the V5 Robot Inspection Checklist

2. Check the official VEX forums for rule updates and changes.

3. Carefully read all of the information contained in the tournament posting on robotevents.com

4. Pack for the event the day before the day of departure. Here are a few items that you don't want to forget.

   • Goggles/Safety Glasses

   • Spare parts & tools

   • Batteries and chargers

   • Power strip and extension cord

   • Laptop computer

   • Programming cable

   • Banners and other decorations for your team pit table

   • Giveaways if you have them

5. Be sure to read   VEX Tournaments 101.

6. Review the descriptions and criteria for the awards that are being given during the tournament.

7. Remember that safety comes first, please don't bring tools that pose a safety risk to your team, or others nearby, as teams are close to each other in the venue pit area. Also, remember no grinding or other actions that create sparks, ask the tournament director for a safe location if grinding is needed.

8. Ensure that you have the latest version of programming software and firmware for your V5 Brain.

Participation and Consent Form

A completed form for all participants must be uploaded to robotevents.com prior to the tournament. Team leaders will need to check that all team members attending the event have completed the online consent form prior to the tournament. Instructions on how to upload consent forms are given here: VEX Consent Form.

Grade Level: All

Skills Challenge Offered: No

Judging Format: No Judging