Bradley University Hosts FIRST Robotics Regional 2026 | Competition News

March 22, 2026 Rachel Kim – Technology Editor Technology

PEORIA, Ill. – High school robotics teams from across the United States and Taiwan convened at Bradley University’s Renaissance Coliseum this weekend for the FIRST Robotics Central Illinois Regional Competition. The three-day event, which concluded Saturday, showcased student-designed and built robots competing in a game centered around collecting and shooting foam balls into an eight-foot-tall goal.

Approximately 1,000 students representing 31 teams participated, according to organizers. Teams hailed from Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, and Taiwan, demonstrating the competition’s growing international reach. This year’s competition theme, “Rebuilt,” challenged students to engineer solutions for a dynamic game requiring both precision and collaboration.

The competition tasks students with a complex engineering challenge: designing, building, and programming a robot within a six-to-eight-week timeframe, based on a detailed rulebook released at the start of the build season. Beyond the technical skills, the event emphasizes teamwork and strategic thinking. Teams were required to collaborate with two randomly assigned partners for each match, fostering adaptability and communication.

“We’ve seen that being able to work and reach across the aisle and collaborate are super important,” said Sravan Suryadevara, regional director of FIRST® Robotics in Illinois. “That’s why it’s fundamental to our program that we establish things like the 3-versus-3 and teams collaborating and working with each other. It’s just as important to win as It’s to lift everyone else up around you.”

The competition isn’t solely focused on engineering prowess. Organizers highlighted the development of “soft skills” such as public speaking, presentation, and the ability to explain complex technical concepts. Students also gain experience in project management, time management, and leadership roles.

The winning alliances from the Central Illinois Regional will advance to the FIRST Robotics World Championship, scheduled to be held in Houston later this spring. The event at Bradley University drew spectators from the local community, offering a glimpse into the future of engineering and technology. The Central Illinois Regional FIRST Robotics Competition has been held annually at Bradley University for an unspecified period.