Gillespie Robotic Project Information

Updated Fall Project Meetings:
As we prepare for the upcoming Sumobot and Ag Robotics contests, please review our revised fall schedule below and make note of the changes:

Fall Schedule:

• Nov 3: Regular Project Practice

• Nov 10: Optional Ag Robotics Practice Only

• Nov 17: Regular Project Practice

• Nov 30: Sumo Sunday | 1–6 p.m.

• Dec 1: Sumo Practice

• Dec 6: Guadalupe County Contest

• Dec 8: Project Practice & Sumo Storage Day

(Parents and Sumo-only youth will help pack up Sumo kits)

• Dec 15: Christmas Party @ Mr. Gatti’s — See you there!

• Dec 29: Ag Robotics Workday | 1:30–5 p.m. 

Location: Gillespie County Extension Office
Registration  Fee: $100 if borrowing kit  -- $50 if providing own kit

AI in Agriculture Challenge
Opens: October 1          Closes: November 15

Open to youth innovators nationwide, this challenge combines STEM creativity, real-world problem solving, and the future of agriculture.

Together, let’s imagine how artificial intelligence can grow a brighter future for agriculture.                                                                                       REGISTER HERE

Robotics Contests:

AgRobotics 

The 4-H AgRobotics Contest challenges teams to apply problem-solving, engineering, and teamwork skills as they design, build, and program robots to complete agriculture-themed tasks. Participants learn about real-world connections between technology and farming while testing their creations in timed challenges. This contest encourages creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, helping youth see how science and agriculture work hand in hand.  There are opportunities to compete in robotics at the following major stock shows:

• State Fair of Texas

• Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

• San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo 

• San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo

• Houston Stock Show & Rodeo

• Rodeo Austin

SumoBot
Teams will bring a fully assembled and programmed robot to compete against others in the tournament until a winner is declared. Two robots will “wrestle” in a dohyō (sumo ring) designed for robots. As with human Sumo wrestling, the goal of sumo-style robotics is to gain leverage over an opponent and force it out of the ring. Please note, this is NOT a “battle bots” style competition. In other words, intentionally destructive robots are not allowed.

Operation Pacific Assault

The National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas, partners with the Gillespie County 4-H Robotic Club to host an annual robotics competition, focusing on themes from the Pacific Theater of World War II. This competition is an opportunity for 4-H members in grades 3-5 to build robots and complete tasks based on scenarios from the Pacific War. Participants use Lego Mindstorm EV3 robotic kits in the competition. The competition fosters innovation and historical awareness by engaging young people in STEM activities.