Airborne Robotic Cup
Build. Compete. Soar. Discover STEM with Aerial Robotics this Summer!
Airborne Robotic Cup
Design, Build, and Compete with Robotic Blimps
In an indoor arena, student teams design and program robotic blimps to score goals and defend their zone. Featuring floating goals and multiple balls, this exciting challenge requires skill in both manual piloting and autonomous AI programming. Robotic blimps offer safety, long flight times, and a unique platform for exploring aerodynamics and control.
- Master Key Technologies
- Gain hands-on experience in CAD, 3D printing, basic electronics, programming (including AI), and robotics fundamentals.
- Exciting Tournament Format
- Participate in a 2-month preparation phase followed by an intense 1-day tournament featuring manual control and autonomous AI challenges.
- Unlock Research Opportunities
- Top teams earn the chance for prestigious Summer 2026 high school research internships with professors from George Mason University.
- Expert Guidance & Support
- Benefit from robotics/AI training, professor-led seminars, and dedicated coaching from George Mason University mentors and experienced CYOC coaches.
Competition Schedule
08:00 AM - 08:00 PM, Saturday, August 15, 2026 | EagleBank Arena, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Group Assignments
20 teams are split into 4 groups for the group stage.
- Team 1
- Team 2
- Team 9
- Team 10
- Team 17
- Team 3
- Team 4
- Team 11
- Team 12
- Team 18
- Team 5
- Team 6
- Team 15
- Team 16
- Team 20
- Team 7
- Team 8
- Team 13
- Team 14
- Team 19
Morning Session — Group A vs Group B
Groups A (Red) & B (Black): Top 2 teams from each group advance to the Elite Eight Championship
08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Team Check-in & Pit Setup — Group A & B teams occupy Pit Areas
08:00 AM - 08:45 AM
Morning Practice Session — Arena open for Group A & B test flights
08:45 AM - 09:00 AM
Opening Remark
09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Match 1: Team 9 + Team 17 vs Team 3 + Team 4
09:15 AM - 09:30 AM
Match 2: Team 1 + Team 17 vs Team 11 + Team 18
09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
Match 3: Team 2 + Team 9 vs Team 12 + Team 18
09:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Match 4: Team 10 + Team 17 vs Team 11 + Team 12
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Match 5: Team 1 + Team 2 vs Team 4 + Team 11
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Match 6: Team 2 + Team 10 vs Team 4 + Team 18
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Match 7: Team 9 + Team 10 vs Team 3 + Team 11
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Match 8: Team 1 + Team 9 vs Team 4 + Team 12
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Match 9: Team 1 + Team 10 vs Team 3 + Team 18
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Match 10: Team 2 + Team 17 vs Team 3 + Team 12
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Morning Session Awards Ceremony — announce Elite Eight qualifiers A1, A2, B1, B2
11:50 AM - 12:00 PM
Morning Session Load-out — morning teams clear Pit Areas
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch Break (1 Hour)
Afternoon Session — Group C vs Group D
Groups C (Gold) & D (Blue): Top 2 teams from each group advance to the Elite Eight Championship
01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Afternoon Team Check-in & Pit Setup — Group C & D teams occupy Pit Areas
01:00 PM - 01:45 PM
Afternoon Practice Session — Arena open for Group C & D test flights
01:45 PM - 02:00 PM
Opening Remark
02:00 PM - 02:15 PM
Match 11: Team 15 + Team 20 vs Team 7 + Team 8
02:15 PM - 02:30 PM
Match 12: Team 5 + Team 20 vs Team 13 + Team 19
02:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Match 13: Team 6 + Team 15 vs Team 14 + Team 19
02:45 PM - 03:00 PM
Match 14: Team 16 + Team 20 vs Team 13 + Team 14
03:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Match 15: Team 5 + Team 6 vs Team 8 + Team 13
03:15 PM - 03:30 PM
Match 16: Team 6 + Team 16 vs Team 8 + Team 19
03:30 PM - 03:45 PM
Match 17: Team 15 + Team 16 vs Team 7 + Team 13
03:45 PM - 04:00 PM
Match 18: Team 5 + Team 15 vs Team 8 + Team 14
04:00 PM - 04:15 PM
Match 19: Team 5 + Team 16 vs Team 7 + Team 19
04:15 PM - 04:30 PM
Match 20: Team 6 + Team 20 vs Team 7 + Team 14
04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Afternoon Session Awards Ceremony — announce Elite Eight qualifiers C1, C2, D1, D2
04:50 PM - 05:00 PM
Afternoon Session Load-out — afternoon teams clear Pit Areas
Evening — Elite Eight Championship Bracket
2v2 Cross-Alliance Brackets to 1v1 Grand Finale
05:00 PM - 06:15 PM
Elite Eight Strategy, Tech Setup & Dinner
06:15 PM - 06:30 PM
Quarter-Final 1 (2v2): [A1 + C2] vs [D2 + B1]
06:30 PM - 06:45 PM
Quarter-Final 2 (2v2): [B2 + C1] vs [A2 + D1]
06:45 PM - 07:00 PM
Semi-Final (2v2): QF1 Winning Alliance vs QF2 Winning Alliance
07:00 PM - 07:15 PM
3rd Place Match (1v1): Losing semi-final partners battle for the Bronze Trophy
07:15 PM - 07:35 PM
Grand Finale (1v1): Winning semi-final partners face off for the ARC 2026 Championship Title
07:35 PM - 08:00 PM
Closing Ceremony, Trophies & Full-Arena Photo