Judged awards recognise specific things. Read the criteria and map your evidence to them explicitly.
| Award | Rewards | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Inspire | Overall excellence | Everything, cohesively |
| Think | Engineering process | Notebook iteration |
| Connect | Engineering community | Mentor and industry ties |
| Innovate | Creative design | A distinctive mechanism |
| Control | Advanced controls | Sensors, autonomy, tuning data |
| Motivate | Team spirit & outreach | Sustained programs |
| Design | Industrial design | CAD, aesthetics, ergonomics |
›How long is a judging interview?
Usually five minutes of presentation followed by five minutes of questions. Rehearse the presentation to 4:30 so questions are never cut short.
›Who should speak?
Students only, and as many as practical. Judges look for depth across the team, not one polished spokesperson.
›Does the robot need to be finished?
No. Judges reward documented process and honest reflection over a finished machine.