Red Robot Hackathon
A beginner-oriented hardware hackathon for the CMU community, hosted by the CMU Robotics Club.
2026 Interest Form →
Beginner Friendly
We will provide instructions on how to assemble a functional robot from the starter kit of parts. From there, you'll be able to customize your robot by adding your own mechanisms, electronics, and code.
Mentors will be available throughout the event to help with anything and everything!
Competition Challenge
At the start of the event, we will introduce the year's challenge and reveal the game field and scoring mechanism. The challenge is kept secret until then in order to maintain the experience of having only a single weekend to work on your robot! Past challenges have included Quidditch, Overcooked, capture-the-flag, and more!
Make Friends and Have Fun!
Red Robot is a great way to meet new friends who share similar interests, get to know the Robotics Club, meet our sponsors (great way to get an internship, hint hint), learn new skills, and generally have a great time!
We will provide meals, snacks, swag, and occasional diversions throughout the event!
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of expertise do I need to compete?
None! The event is oriented towards beginners and our mentors will be available to help you learn any skills you need! Feel free to ask for their input on design, sensors, software, or ask them to teach you how to use the laser-cutters and 3D printers!
What hours will the event run?
We will start at 5PM on Friday evening with a kickoff presentation, team mixer, and dinner. The club (and mentors) will be available all of Saturday for hacking and learning, and we will wrap up the event on Sunday afternoon by 5PM with the final tournament and award ceremony!
Will there be food?
Absolutely! We will keep our attendees (and mentors) well-fed during the hackathon! Lunch, dinner, and snacks are all provided throughout the weekend.
Will there be prizes?
Of course! A good hackathon wouldn't be complete without prizes! Awards will be given for highest scores in the competition challenge, most creative designs, most ambitious concepts, Judge's Choice, and more!
Can we work together as a team?
Competitors will work together in teams of 5 people. If you already have a group of friends who you want to team up with: Great! If not, we'll have a team mixer at the start of the competition to help you find a team with other attendees.
I still have questions!
Please feel free to email us at [email protected]