Styrobot Challenge

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The challenge is yours!

Robots come in all shapes and sizes. In The Discovery’s Styrobot Challenge, we want you to use one simple material – Styrofoam – to build the robot of your dreams! Make your Styrobot small or big, purpose-built or statuesque. There’s no limit to what you can imagine and build!

Enter individually or as a team to compete for one of four great prizes! Entries are due at The Discovery by 5:00pm on January 22, 2027. All entries will be curated in an exhibition open to museum visitors in February, and winning entries will be announced at the awards ceremony on Saturday, February 20, 2027.

Fantastic Prizes

1st prize—a one year Family membership (or renewal) to The Discovery
2nd prize—a $75 gift card for use in the Museum Store
3rd prize—a $50 gift card for use in the Museum Store
People’s Choice—a $50 gift card to the Museum Store

Judging Criteria

Creativity—use of odd shaped pieces in the construction of your ’bot.
Personality—does your robot exude character?
Originality—the uniqueness of your Styrobot’s design.
Function—is your robot designed for a specific purpose?
Stability—does your robot stand on its own two (or four or six) legs?

Important Dates

November 1, 2026 – Registration opens
January 17, 2027 – Registration closes
January 18-22, 2027 – Entries due to The Discovery
January 30, 2027 – Styrobot exhibition opens
February 20, 2027 – Awards ceremony, 1:00pm
February 21, 2027 – Styrobot exhibition ends

Official Rules

The rules for this challenge are simple: Working individually or in a team, build a robot of any shape or size using only reclaimed Styrofoam and glue. No dowels or other support materials. Your robot does not need to move or otherwise function. It must stand, or sit, on its own without the help of a wall or any other support. If you have questions about the rules for this challenge, please e-mail info@nvdm.org. There is no charge to enter the Styrobot Challenge. Entries remain the property of the entrant(s) and must be picked up by February 26, 2027. Unclaimed entries will not be available after that date.

Styrobot FAQ

What do I use to build my Styrobot?

Styrobots should be built using only styrofoam and glue. Do not use wood, metal, cardboard, or any other material.
Where can I get styrofoam to build my robot?

Reclaimed styrofoam is available for free from a number of local businesses including R.C. Willey, Best Buy, Lowes, Home Depot, and stores that sell appliances or large electronics.
What is the best glue for styrofoam?

Standard school glue works, but dries slowly. For a quicker bond you can use Loctite PL 300 or Beacon Hold the Foam.
How do I deliver my Styrobot to The Discovery?

Entries should be delivered to The Discovery’s main entrance. Larger entries can be delivered in sections and assembled on-site if needed.
Where do I direct questions about the Challenge?

For questions about Styrobot construction, entry delivery, or anything else, please e-mail info@nvdm.org.