24 high school robotics teams battle at New Jersey mall this weekend

Bridgewater Commons mall in New Jersey will host RoboCon this weekend, transforming the shopping center into a massive robotics and technology playground featuring 24 high school teams competing in robot battles. The free event, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, aims to inspire K-12 students in STEM fields through hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities spanning both levels of the mall.

What you should know: The Robot Rumble competition will showcase teams from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland competing Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

• Five New Jersey FIRST Robotics Competition high school teams from Warren, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Somerville, and Scotch Plains are organizing the event.
• The competition focuses on “inspiring K-12 students to develop science, technology, engineering and math skills.”

Key activities: The mall-wide event features diverse attractions designed to engage visitors of all ages with robotics and technology.

• The lower level will include a Discovery Dome with science shows and book readings, a sensory-friendly Calm Corner near Build-A-Bear, and opportunities to test-drive 120-pound competition robots near Williams-Sonoma.
• Visitors can meet builders of recognizable movie robot characters at the Droid Builders station.
• The main level will host FIRST Tech Challenge robotics demonstrations by Aeropostale, where teams will practice for the 2025-2026 game FIRST DECODE.

Combat robotics showcase: The Garden State Combat Robotics League will present demonstrations near the Apple Store featuring robots similar to those on the TV show BattleBots.

• Additional attractions include LEGO robotics displays and STEAM activities at multiple stations throughout the mall.
• Workshops will be available where participants can earn Girl Scout and Scouts BSA badges through advance registration.

Special guest: Jay Flores, American Ninja Warrior competitor, TV host and author, will participate in activities including a dual-language reading of “Engineer Someday.”