Competition

2025 Competition: Factoids

 

Team Registration is currently open.

Competition Format: Classic

Kickoff Day

9/20/2025 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Troy University, Troy, AL

Practice Day

11/4/2025
Dorothy Adams Trojan Center, Troy University, Troy, AL
College Drive, Troy, AL 36082

Game Day

11/15/2022 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Trojan Arena, Troy University, Troy, AL
George Wallace Drive, Troy, AL 36082

Teams must register through the BEST National Registry for TROY University BEST Robotics.

We will only be able to support 16 teams this year, so please register as soon as possible. 

• Registering a Team

We look forward to receiving your team registration information, and working with you as your team solves the real-world problem of “Factoids””.

What is the cost to participate?                                  

The competition is FREE for schools to participate. At the bare minimum, the only costs your team will incur are expenses related to traveling to/from Troy for the competition events. Troy University BEST Robotics will loan robot equipment to the participating schools for the duration of the 9‐week build and competition period. All materials must be returned after the competition is completed. 

Competition Overview 

Click the DOWNLOAD button below to access the “Competition Overview” 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 Troy University competition is limited to 16 teams.

The following are recommended as you start your team:

Advisor/primary point of contact – A 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 – An area with basic workshop tools to aid in building the robot.   

Mentors – Professionals (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 – The competition is free, however, there may be minimal travel costs to Troy. Additionally many teams create and wear a team t‐shirt 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 – A 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 – Participating 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

• BESTedu – Education for the BEST Nation
  • 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
  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.