Team of 3 · On-site model, program, inventor's log, and demonstration
System Control Technology
Your team builds and programs a model that carries out a process automatically.
What you make or do
- Build and program a computer-controlled mechanical model that solves the on-site problem.
- Complete an Inventor's Log explaining the problem, your solution, and the instructions judges need to operate the model.
- Demonstrate the model and explain the program and mechanical features to judges, answering their questions.
This year’s challenge
There is no separate annual theme listed. Teams receive an on-site problem, usually involving an industrial process. The recycling-system example in the guide is a practice example.
How the competition works
Before the event
Choose a team captain and prepare the required computer, software, and materials kit. Competition programs must be written entirely on site.
First round
After captain setup, use fifteen minutes to analyze the problem and begin the Inventor's Log. Your team then has two and a half hours to build, program, test, and document the solution before the demonstration and questions.
How the event finishes
No separate advancing round is described in the student procedure. All teams demonstrate their model and take part in the interview as part of the same event.
Know before you choose: The current rule update corrects the problem-analysis period to fifteen minutes. You must write the program on site and leave clear instructions so judges can operate and reset the model.
How your work is scored
Judges assess the Inventor's Log, how effectively and dependably the model solves the problem, the program's structure and efficiency, and the demonstration/interview.
Check official rule updates
System Control Technology
Official files to keep
- Download official inventor’s log (PDF)
- Download the full event guide (PDF)
- Download the official rubric or score sheet (PDF)
- Download the general rules (PDF)
- Download the complete guide with the forms appendix (PDF)
Read the guide, current challenge, and updates together. This overview helps you choose; the official documents give the full requirements.
Guide evidence: 319–325. Annual sources checked September 10, 2026. These are national competition rules; your teacher will confirm any regional or state changes.
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Use the notes sheet to check what this choice would involve.
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