Program

RoboBoat 2026

RoboBoat 2026

Hey explorers! Are you interested in a hands-on learning approach to maritime autonomy? Let us introduce you to RoboBoat.

RoboBoat is an international student program established to generate, cultivate, and enhance a community of innovators capable of making substantive contributions to the Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) domain. The vision is achieved by providing a venue and mechanism, whereby practitioners of robotics and maritime autonomy come together at RoboBoat to share knowledge, innovate, and collaboratively advance the technology of ASV systems.

Hone your engineering skills and embark on this systems engineering journey where you will be able to design, build and test an ASV.

Put your creation to the test and join us at the 19th annual RoboBoat competition!

RoboBoat 2026

  • Dates

    February 19-24, 2026

  • Location

    Nathan Benderson Park

    Sarasota, Florida, USA

  • Eligibility

    • High School, College

    • 75% or more full-time students

    • Minimum of three team members

  • Registration

    October 1 - December 4, 2025 [Deadline Extended!]

    Team Registration

  • Cancellation Policy

    Submit a Cancellation Form

    December 5 | 50% Refund Deadline

  • Team Resources

    Review the Team Resources

     

Competition Timeline

October 01 – December 04 | Registration (Registration Portal) [Deadline Extended to December 4!]

October 22, 7:00pm EST | TeamTime #1 (Register)

December 5 | Cancellation – 50% Refund Deadline (Cancellation Policy)

January 7, 7:00pm EST | TeamTime #2 (Register)

January 14 | Submission Deadline (Registration Portal)

February 19-24 | RoboBoat 2026

Resources

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Competition Primer

Competition Primer (Download)

Published October 24, 2025

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Team Handbook

Team Handbook (View) (Download)

Published November 11, 2025

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TeamTime Recordings

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Schedules

Schedules will be published here soon!

 

Overall Schedule (Estimated publish date: October 15)

Presentation & Systems Assessment Schedule (Estimated publish date: January 21)

Course Schedule (Live schedule during event)

Event Details

Traveling to the Competition

 

 

FIND YOUR WAY

  • Rome2Rio is a great resource to navigate local transportation.

Lodging at the Competition

 

EVENT HOTEL: MAGNOLIA POINTE, BW SIGNATURE COLLECTION

5965 Brookhill Boulevard, Sarasota, Florida 34232

• Reservations: Click here to start your reservation.

* Note: All RoboBoat teams are permitted to utilize the hotel’s pool for overnight testing (February 19-23).

 

 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

Many teams reserve a short-term rental in the surrounding Sarasota / Bradenton area.

RoboBoat 2026 - RoboBoat

Meet the Teams

Advancing Science Technology and Art
Advancing Science Technology and Art
Team Inspiration

San Diego, California, USA

WebsiteInstagram

 

We are a community robotics team based in San Diego, California, that was started in 2011. We have students ranging from middle school to college students. We currently participate in the RoboSub, RoboBoat, and RobotX competitions. Our goal is to be able to learn the most we can about robotics and to spread all that knowledge to others. Fittingly, our team motto is:

To learn, to share, to innovate, to inspire!

AGH University of Kraków
AGH University of Kraków
AGH Solar Boat

Kraków, Lesser Poland, Poland

WebsiteFacebook Instagram

 

AGH Solar Boat is an interdisciplinary team of students from Kraków combining construction, software, electrical, and composites engineering. United by passion for maritime robotics, we develop Barka – our autonomous surface vehicle shaped by iterative prototyping, on-water testing, and teamwork across domains. From mechanical design and sensor integration to embedded control and autonomous decision-making, we tackle the challenges of turning ideas into reality and advancing innovation in maritime autonomy.

Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University
Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University
ZeroneTech Kılıç

Antalya, Alanya, Turkiyë

Instagram

 

ZeroneTech Kılıç, founded in 2025, is a pioneering student engineering team specializing in autonomous marine and robotic systems. Recognized with Turkey’s 4th place and Best Design Award at TEKNOFEST, the team advances hydrodynamic innovation, AI-driven navigation, and mission-ready platforms. With a vision to lead next-generation autonomy, ZeroneTech Kılıç is committed to redefining marine technology and elevating Turkey to global engineering excellence.

Beaver Country Day School
Beaver Country Day School
BeaverAUV

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA

WebsiteInstagram

 

BeaverAUV is a high school robotics team based out of Beaver Country Day School in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Our teammates are students ranging from grades 9 – 12 with varied experiences. In addition to building and programming our ASV, we work to give all members access to learn about all types of robotics and technologies.

Benedict College
Benedict College
B Sea Bots

Lexington, South Carolina, USA

 

The Benedict B Sea Bots is the robotics team representing Benedict College, an institution committed to providing transformative learning experiences, particularly in technology and innovation.
The club focuses specifically on maritime and aquatic robotics. Our goal is to participate in major international competitions sponsored by RoboNation.
The team’s primary technical focus is on designing, building, and programming autonomous robotic vehicles for use in water environments.

Calibrator-Z
Calibrator-Z
Bluewave 2.O

Dhaka, Bangladesh

WebsiteFacebookInstagram

 

Calibrator-Z is a student robotics group from Bangladesh made up of curious minds from high schools and colleges who love building things that matter. The team focuses on creating practical, intelligent machines that tackle real-world challenges in automation, disaster relief, and sustainability. Blending creativity with engineering precision, Calibrator-Z aims to push the boundaries of robotics innovation in Bangladesh and motivate young learners to turn ideas into impactful technology.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Team Minion

Daytona Beach, Florida, USA

Instagram

 

Team Minion is an interdisciplinary group of undergraduate and graduate students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). The team uses its vessel “Minion” to support graduate research and hands-on undergraduate learning while continuously improving its mechanical and software systems. Focused on a systems-based, modular design philosophy, Team Minion develops tools that balance academic and research needs. For RoboBoat 2026, the team is applying this expertise with a clear goal: to win.

Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University
Owltonomous

Boca Raton, Florida, USA

Website | FacebookXInstagram

 

This team aims to promote FAU’s reputation in engineering by participating in robotics competitions like RoboBoat. It fosters critical and innovative thinking by offering challenging opportunities for students across various engineering disciplines and skill levels. We value collaboration and camaraderie, creating a supportive community for members, and providing networking opportunities and connections to the professional engineering community to help members with career development.

Florida State University (Panama City)
Florida State University (Panama City)
NoleNavigators

Panama City, Florida, USA

 

NoleNavigators is Florida State University Panama City’s autonomous robotics team made up of a diverse group of STEM undergraduate students. We aim to promote engagement in international robotics competitions such as RoboBoat and provide opportunities for students from all disciplines to participate in these valuable, hand-on projects. Established in 2024, we are a relatively new team, but we are excited to gain experience in autonomous robotics and eagerly anticipate this year’s competition.

Gdańsk University of Technology
Gdańsk University of Technology
Science Club SimLE

Gdańsk, Pomorskie, Poland

WebsiteFacebookInstagram

 

SeaSentinel Programme started in November 2021 as a project in Science Club SimLE. For the past four years we have been developing different concepts and solutions in the field of Autonomous Surface Vehicles. We took part in both RoboBoat 2023, 2024 and 2025. This year we come to RoboBoat 2026 with an improved boat: ASV Zimorodek v2 (ang. ASV Kingfisher). See you on the course 😉

James Martin High School
James Martin High School
MHS SEALs

Arlington, Texas, USA

WebsiteInstagram

 

A student led Texas high school team united by their passion for engineering and programming, attempting to master the combination of autonomous systems and the engineering process. The MHS SEALs are a diverse team that spends their afternoons after long days of music, art, or athletics to expand their knowledge and bond over their various interests.

Konya Technical University
Konya Technical University
Kapsul Yazgit Pruva

Konya, Selçuklu, Turkiyë

X | Instagram

 

Representing Konya Technical University and Kapsül Technology Platform, PRUVA TEAM competes with an advanced autonomous surface vehicle. Our agile, carbon fiber vessel features AI-driven navigation, precise sensor fusion using LiDAR and RTK GPS, and a newly integrated projectile launching mechanism. We are dedicated to showcasing innovative engineering solutions on the global stage.

Konya Teknik Üniversitesi
Konya Teknik Üniversitesi
Kapsül Yazgit Eternal

Konya, Selçuklu, Turkiyë

WebsiteInstagram

 

Team Eternal is a multidisciplinary student team from Konya Technical University specializing in autonomous systems, computer vision, and intelligent marine navigation. Fully student-driven, the team develops autonomous surface vessels featuring real-time perception, sensor fusion, and advanced control algorithms. By participating in the International RoboBoat Competition, Team Eternal aims to demonstrate its engineering capability, promote innovation, and proudly represent Türkiye on the global stage.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT Arcturus

Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

WebsiteInstagram

 

Arcturus is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s autonomous robotics team! Our mission is to give undergraduates hands-on experience leading teams and applying their knowledge by building autonomous vehicles, share our love of robots with the community through outreach events including lab tours and classes, and create technology that we believe will positively impact the environment and coastal communities. We’re excited to make a splash in the RoboBoat competition with our flagship, Fish ‘N Ships!

Military Technical College
Military Technical College
MW

Cairo, Egypt

Website

 

MW in ancient Egyptian language means water. MW is a seasoned undergraduate team, based in Cairo, Egypt, representing the Military Technical College and specialized in building maritime autonomous systems, ASV and ROV. Loaded with thousands of years of ancient Egyptian legacy of ship building. In 2023 we got two rewards, Fifth Place- Autonomy challenge and Special Award – Resilience. We are looking forward to more successes in 2026.

Navier USN
Navier USN
Navier USN

Borre, Vestfold, Norway

WebsiteFacebookInstagram

 

Navier USN is an interdisciplinary student organization at the University of Southeast Norway (USN), consisting of students from engineering, business, IT, and economics. We design and develop autonomous vessels for national and international competitions, such as RoboBoat and Njord Challenge. Through hands-on work and cross-disciplinary collaboration, we turn theory into innovative solutions in autonomous technology.

Piri Reis University/PRU-İDA
Piri Reis University/PRU-İDA
PRU-İDA

Istanbul, Tuzla, Turkiye

WebsiteInstagram

 

PRU-İDA is a student-led marine robotics team from Piri Reis University. After competing in Teknofest Mavi Vatan 2025 and Njord Challenge 2025, we strengthened our skills in autonomous navigation, system integration, and mission planning. For RoboBoat 2026, we aim to showcase a reliable and well-tested USV developed through disciplined teamwork, practical engineering, and a strong commitment to innovation.

Polynomial Institute
Polynomial Institute
TORONGO

Dhaka, Bangladesh

FacebookInstagram

 

Polynomial Institute is Bangladesh’s first privatized, open-access scientific learning and research facility—designed for anyone who wants to learn, build, and innovate. We bring together students, makers, and professionals from all academic backgrounds in a supervised research environment spanning Environmental Science, Robotics, AI, Architecture, Agriculture and more. Our focus is on hands-on learning, real experimentation, and practical discovery. At Polynomial, knowledge isn’t restricted by degrees or institutions—it’s open to everyone ready to explore, create, and contribute.

Queen's University
Queen's University
aQuatonomous

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

WebsiteInstagram

 

aQuatonomous is Queen’s University’s interdisciplinary design team building clean-powered Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs) for ecological research and international competition. Rooted in sustainability, inclusion, and hands-on engineering, the team unites students across mechanical, electrical, autonomy, systems integration, business, and water-research disciplines. Our ASVs advance environmental monitoring, AI-driven autonomy, and community-engaged fieldwork. In our first year, we became RoboBoat semi-finalists and the top design team at Queen’s, continuing to grow as leaders in maritime robotics.

Tech Autocrats
Tech Autocrats
BengalBoat

Dhaka, Bangladesh

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Team BengalBoat is a multidisciplinary student team under Tech Autocrats, comprising passionate innovators from high schools, colleges, and universities across Bangladesh. United by a shared vision of advancing marine robotics, the team aims to design, build, and operate an autonomous surface vehicle for RoboBoat 2026. Combining expertise in software, hardware, and navigation, BengalBoat strives to represent Bangladesh globally by promoting sustainable innovation and inspiring the next generation of young engineers.

Universitas Sebelas Maret
Universitas Sebelas Maret
Bengawan UV Team

Surakarta, Central Jawa, Indonesia

WebsiteInstagram

 

Bengawan UV Roboboat Team is a Subdivision of Bengawan UV Team of Universitas Sebelas Maret. This team was established in December 2016 to aim for advanced science and technology research, especially on an unmanned surface vehicle in Indonesia.

Turkish Naval Academy
Turkish Naval Academy
BlueHomeland

Istanbul, Tuzla, Türkiye

Website

 

We are the Sailor Cadets from the Turkish Naval Academy — a passionate and determined team that finds great excitement and fulfillment in participating in national and international competitions focused on robotics. With strong discipline, teamwork, and curiosity, we aim to push the boundaries of marine autonomy and represent our academy and country with pride.

University of Central Florida and Hagerty High School
University of Central Florida and Hagerty High School
The Water Dogs

Orlando, Florida, USA

Website

 

We are The Water Dogs—a RoboBoat team based in Oviedo, Florida with a shared passion for STEM, robotics, and real-world innovation. Our combined team brings together talented students from Hagerty High School and the University of Central Florida, creating a unique multi-level learning environment where creativity meets engineering excellence.

We’re excited to return stronger than ever for the 2026 RoboBoat season and can’t wait to showcase our latest advancements on the water!

University of Louisiana at Lafayette
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Team Katrina

Lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Website

 

We are Mechanical Engineering students from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette dedicated to developing the control system for our autonomous vessel in the 2026 RoboBoat Competition. Each member brings creativity, technical skill, and Cajun determination. Through mechanical design, wiring, navigation algorithms, and testing, we work collaboratively to improve Team Katrina’s performance. As a team, we’re committed to making our mark at RoboBoat 2026.

University of Michigan
University of Michigan
UM::Autonomy

Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

WebsiteInstagram

 

UM::Autonomy is a student-led project team from the University of Michigan. Established in 2007, this is the team’s 18th year of competition in the RoboBoat Competition. We aim to further the study of autonomous robotics and marine vessels at the University of Michigan by providing students with hands-on, multidisciplinary design experience. Each year, we strive to push the physical and conceptual bounds of our ASV.

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