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United States Science and Engineering Olympiad

United States Science and Engineering Olympiad

USSEO Human-in-the-Loop Robotics & AI Challenge 2026–2027

ClosedEngineeringRoboticsCompetition

About the Program

The 2026–2027 USSEO Human-in-the-Loop Robotics & AI Challenge is part of the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) Online Challenges. High-school teams select a season theme such as Environment and Sustainability, then develop a robotic solution to a real-world issue. The project must integrate AI analysis, human judgment, and robotic execution, and culminate in a physical prototype.

High-school entries include a 1–2-page ideation proposal, project presentation, engineering notebook, and a three-minute demonstration video. Teams may have one to four students, including an individual entrant. High-school participants are expected to select and explain AI methods, data, inference, performance, and integration. The preliminary round is judged online.

The USSEO registration page lists a USD 50 high-school fee including tax. Registration for the 2026–2027 cycle closes on February 5, 2027, and the submission deadline is March 5, 2027. Equipment costs and an exact local-time cutoff are not specified in the reviewed sources. See the RECF online challenge page and the USSEO registration page.

Eligibility

High-school division teams must select one of the 2027 season themes, including Environment and Sustainability. The project must combine AI, human judgment, and robotic execution, with a physical prototype; challenge submissions are evaluated online in the preliminary round. The online challenge has participants from anywhere in the world. Confirm country availability on the organizer's registration page before paying. High school division; grade eligibility follows the organizer's high-school division rules.

Eligible Countries

other residency: All countries The organizer's partner describes RECF Online Challenges as open to students participating from anywhere in the world. The challenge's preliminary phase is evaluated online.

How to Apply

Register by February 5, 2027. Submit a 1–2 page ideation proposal and, in the build phase, a project presentation, engineering notebook, and 3-minute video demonstrating the working physical prototype. Teams may have one to four students; one student may enter alone. High-school entries must explain the AI technology, relevant data and inference, performance, and system integration. Preliminary judging is online.