We are excited to welcome you to the RoboCon New Jersey Robot Rumble occurring as part of RoboCon New Jersey.  Given this event will take place in a shopping mall, it will work a little differently than a traditional off-season event.  The main goal of the host committee (FRC Teams 41,  56, 75, 102, 1257, and 9116) is to foster interest in STEM while educating the public about all the great things happening in the area.  In addition to the Robot Rumble, we will also be hosting a FLL Workshop, FTC practice, a community STEM fair dubbed “Investigation Alley” with robotics and other organizations, hands-on educational activities, and sensory-friendly activities.  We encourage you to visit and participate in other parts of the larger RoboCon New Jersey.    

Anticipated Agenda

Day 0 - Friday, September 27, 2024 

Field Setup

Friday 3:00-8:00pm - Load-in for teams.  Field NOT available for use.

Day 1  - Saturday, September 28, 2024

7:30 am - Pits Open

8:00 am - Field Opens for measurements

8:40 am - Safety Briefing

8:50 am - Event Orientation

9:00 am  - 11:00am - Practice Matches

10:00 am - Mall Opens to Public

11 am - 12 Noon - Lunch Break

12pm - 7pm - Qualification Matches

Pits will close 30 minutes after the last match

Day 2- Sunday, September 29, 2024

8:30am - Pits Open

8:45am - 10am - Team and Robot Photos

10am - 11am - Mentor Matches

11am - Alliance Selection / Lunch Break

11am - Mall Opens to the public

12pm - 4:45 pm Playoff Matches

4:45pm - Matches end and awards

5pm on - Event breakdown, field teardown

Field Modifications

The field will be built in an area of the mall called “Center Court.”  Due to space constraints of the mall, the field is being slightly altered to fit the space.  The 6’ will be taken from the length of the field, so it will measure 47’ x 27 (normal is 53’ x 27’).  Although we do not expect the gameplay to be significantly altered, we are aware the shortened field may affect robot performance and encourage teams to make adjustments accordingly.  Full details and dimensions are available in the registration packet.​

New for 2024 - RoboCon New Jersey Impact Grant presented by Bridgewater Commons

The RoboCon New Jersey Impact Grant is presented by Bridgewater Commons to two participating and deserving teams in support of work with another non-profit organization in their community. To be eligible for the $1000 award, teams must submit a proposal (essay of 500 words or less and a video not to exceed sixty (60) seconds in mp4 format) describing a program/event and how the funds will help the team to execute it. Proposals must be submitted to event@roboconnj.org by Friday, September 13 @ 5pm ET.  If the video file is too large to be submitted via email, a link to the video is acceptable. Winners will be announced at the event. Winning teams are required to submit evidence in the form of a short write-up with photos and video no more than 14 days after their program/event.  Bridgewater Commons and/or Pacific Capital Retail Partners may use all submitted materials for promotional purposes. Consistent with FIRST YPP guidance, no student last names should be included in submissions.

Mentor Matches are back for 2024

After a wildly comical 2023, we have some time built into the schedule on Sunday morning for mentors/teachers to take the robot controls and compete in the actual game against other teams.  Participation is optional, but it should be very entertaining!   Don’t worry, there will be a break after the mentor matches for robot repairs before regular matches resume. 

Spectator Information

The viewing area is standing room only (no bleachers) on the upper levels of the mall.  Teams should try to keep spectators for each match to a minimum and give the public a chance to experience the thrill of an FRC event.  We will provide a video stream to both the pit area and a separate team-only recreation area.  Team members are free to explore the other activities happening in the mall throughout the day.  Teams are encouraged to have their members assist with other areas of the event. This is a great opportunity to share the cool things your team does through FIRST with the broader community. See the section below about outreach opportunities for your team during the event.  Although we are not placing limits on team size, larger teams may want to consider bringing different students both days.

Hotel Information

There will not be a hotel block for 2024, but if you need recommendations, you may contact us for assistance.

Registration and Payment

This is a 2-Day Event, entry fee includes participation for both days

Registration is $300 for this 2-day event.

Credit Card payment is preferred by following this PayPal link or QR Code.

All checks are payable to:

Organization for Robotics of Bound Brook (O.R.B.B.)

Attn: Matthew Hueston

P.O. Box 790

Bound Brook, NJ  08805

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Upon form submission, an invoice will be automatically generated and emailed to the address provided.  You may use this invoice to request a check of your organization if required.

Outreach

We want to give every team the opportunity to showcase their great work.  We encourage teams to request a complimentary table in Investigation Alley.  Located in the central corridor of the second floor of the mall, we will furnish a 72" x 30" table for your use.  Your team may conduct quick activities, educate the public, and distribute buttons and other free promotional items.  There is no AC power in this location.  Please make sure you have enough members to staff your pit, compete, and host an Investigation Alley table if you request one.

Contact Information

General Event Questions: event@roboconnj.org

Payment Questions: Matthew Hueston

​Event Venue

Bridgewater Commons

400 Commons Way

Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Interested in sponsoring our event?  Would you like to be an exhibitor? Would you like to volunteer?

Email us at event@roboconnj.org