Build. Battle. Innovate.
A middle- and high-school 3D-printed combat robotics competition, introduced to students through STEMWISE.
What Is Kilobots?
Kilobots is a combat robotics competition built for middle and high school students. Each robot is limited to a 1 kilogram weight limit, which keeps the build accessible while still demanding real engineering.
Students design, build, program, test, and compete with their own robots — going head-to-head to disable or outlast the competition. It’s a fast-growing program, and it’s just getting started.
More Than a Robot Fight
The battles are the highlight, but Kilobots teaches a lot more than combat.
Build & Engineer
Design and manufacture a robot that can actually hold up in competition.
Code & Program
Program the robot and develop real technical problem-solving skills.
Design & Create
Use CAD, 3D printing, and manufacturing to bring a design to life.
Showcase & Present
Display finished robots and explain the thinking behind them.
Compete & Earn
Battle for the win and compete for a range of awards.
Work as a Team
Build communication, collaboration, and leadership skills along the way.
Not Just Who Wins
Kilobots celebrates the engineering, creativity, and hard work that teams put into their robots. Engineering awards recognize students for outstanding design, creative problem solving, robust builds, innovation, and other accomplishments, giving teams opportunities to be recognized for the work behind their robot, not just the final competition result.
Kilobots also helps students develop skills beyond engineering. Teams can participate in Team STEM Showcase and Team Video, with more categories to come. These experiences give students opportunities to explore different areas of STEM, create engaging experiences for the audience, communicate their ideas, and share their team’s story. Teams can also showcase their robot’s progression, highlighting where they started and how their design and engineering developed throughout the season.
Skills Students Build
Grouped by what they experience most, from the workshop to the competition floor and the microphone.
Build & Design
Code & Compete
Create & Communicate
How Competition Works
Kilobots includes smaller qualifying and regional-style competitions that lead toward a larger championship event. For complete rules, registration, dates, and competition details, visit the dedicated Kilobots website.
Visit Kilobots
Competition Gallery
Ready to Build Your Bot?
Visit the Kilobots site for rules, registration, and event dates.