About the Event | VEX Robotics World Championship
The VEX Robotics World Championship took place in St. Louis, Missouri, April 21-30, 2026.
In this edition:
When Arya Sasikumar first stepped into the world of robotics as a fifth grader, he had no idea the journey ahead would shape not only his academic path but also his vision for the future. Today, as a senior at the University of California, Berkeley, he’s seen firsthand how robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are converging into what he calls “one of the most exciting frontiers students can explore.”
For Arya, the story began in 2016 when his team discovered robotics. What stood out wasn’t just the engineering sophistication, but the emphasis on resilience, communication, and collaboration. That foundation ultimately led his high school team to become early adopters of the VEX Robotics AI Competition, a program he believes represents “the future of robotics education.”
The RECF Aerial Drone Competition has experienced exponential growth since its inception. In 2021, RECF’s Aerial Drone Competition started with 381 teams. Today, 2,227 teams around the world are locked in on Mission 2026: Time Warp! We are excited to announce that the Aerial Drone Competition’s first-ever ADC Signature Event, ‘March Madness: Hoosier Edition,’ will take place in Terre Haute, Indiana, this March. The event is open to teams from all regions around the globe.
Chandra Donelson is a leader whose work spans the highest levels of government and the pages of children’s books. As the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer for the United States Space Force, Donelson is driving the future of data and AI with purpose. Beyond her role in shaping national defense strategy, she champions creativity and accessibility—including through her books The Data Detective at the Carnival and her recently released second book, The Data Detective at the Airport, which introduces kids to the wonder of data in everyday life. The RECF is honored to collaborate with Donelson as she brings her expertise, advocacy, and storytelling to spark curiosity and prepare the next generation for a data-driven world.
The RECF recently earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, placing us in the top 0.1% of non-profits nationally for transparency and accountability. The Platinum Seal means RECF has published qualitative information about our goals, strategies, and vision. The RECF is dedicated to providing current and potential donors with accurate and in-depth knowledge about the many ways we are responsibly advancing our mission and vision with all donations we receive.
Robots may be built to compete, but they should never compromise on safety. The A3 Robot Safety Award Online Challenge celebrates teams that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to safety in the design, construction, programming, and operation of their robot. This challenge invites VEX Robotics Competition and VEX U teams to explore real-world safety principles and apply them creatively in a competitive robotics environment.
Hear more about current highlights of RECF programs and participants. See some of the most recent stories about our teams, events, and partnerships here:
