September 26 - 27, 2026
Saturday: 12 Noon - 6pm & Sunday: 12 Noon - 5pm
RoboCon New Jersey was featured by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Read the full article!
This free event is for all ages in the community with a focus on K-12 students to inspire and energize them to not only think big but to develop the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills needed to become tomorrow’s innovators and leaders.
The weekend will be action-packed with activities throughout two levels of the Bridgewater Commons.
RoboCon New Jersey is produced by local FIRST® Robotics Competition High School Teams.
RoboConNJ 2026 Highlights
(Center Court)
Come watch 24 high school FIRST® Robotics Competition Teams play REEFSCAPE℠ in the center court of the mall! Meet our teams, see their workspace, and get an up-close view of their robots!
The game is played by two alliances, with each team controlling a large-scale robot designed and built by the teams.
(2nd Level Opposite Apple)
The Discovery Dome is theater space sponsored by Conrad Cologne. Experience live performances and talks with captivating hobbyists. All events are free to attend with first come, first serve entry. New in 2026, kick off the Halloween Season with "The Science Spooktacular!"
Discovery Dome Schedule & Descriptions
(2nd Level next to J Crew)
Explore one-of-a-kind LEGO® Brick models from the Garden State LEGO® Users Group. Major showpieces include a giant Keep from "Game of Thones" and a model of Bridgewater Commons. Take to one of the Free Build tables to let your imagination run wild while getting tips from the Pros!
(2nd Level next to Vans)
Come learn about robotics and engineering through a hands-on guided journey led by high school robotics students and obtain Girl Scout badges. Advance registration required.
(2nd Level Bloomingdale's Hallway)
Come meet local scientists, organizations, schools, and companies that are focused on science, technology, engineering, or math.
Interested in being an Exhibitor?
(2nd Level Opposite Macy's)
Experience the thrill of combat robotics with demos, meeting team members, and trying your hand at driving combat robots similar to their larger counterparts made famous by the TV show BattleBots® . Presented by the Garden State Combat Robotics League (GSCRL).
RoboCon New Jersey's STEAM Station is great for kids of all ages to stop by and learn more about Science, Technology, Art, Engineering, and Math (STEAM). From fun presentations to engaging activities, the STEAM Station is the perfect place to participate in some friendly competition, learn, and have fun! Please take a look at our schedule to see what you might be interested in.
PRINTER PLAYGROUND
(2nd Level near T-Mobile)
Experience ultimate 3D printing pop-up, featuring a step-by-step interactive journey from getting started at home to pro-level creations! You might even go home with your own 3D printed souvenir. Presented by Fubar Labs.
LEGOⓇ RACING ROBOTS
(2nd Level Investigation Island)
Race LEGOⓇ Robots - Our tinkerers have been hard at work to adapt FIRSTⓇ LEGOⓇ Leauge robots for a little friendly competition.
CALM CORNER
(Lower Level next to Build-A-Bear)
We understand that crowds, noisy robot competitions and activities with large groups do not work for every child. We will have a quiet store space, located on the lower level, with Sensory-Friendly STEAM Activities available for independent exploration with open space to just chill for a few quiet moments. Free ear plugs are available upon request.
LARGE ROBOT DRIVING EXPEREINCE
(Lower Level near Williams-Sonoma)
Meet our FIRST® Robotics Competition teams and take one of the 120lb robots for a test drive.
FIRSTⓇ Tech Challenge Robotics
(2nd Level next to American Eagle)
FIRST® Tech Challenge of New Jersey teams bring their robots and excitement to the event. Teams will be building and practicing for the 2026-27 game, FIRST® BIOBUZZ℠. See teams enhancing their robot design in the “Pit Area” and playing the official game on a 12’ x 12’ field.
The area will also include a FIRST® DECODE℠ exhibit to demonstrate the 2025-2026 game and serve as a Driving Zone for young guests. Visitors can also drive a “jersey-bot” around a “FTC Racetrack”, among other fun activities.
All are invited to meet teams, enjoy and learn about the FIRST® Tech Challenge Program for 7th - 12th Grade students.