2026 WRO REGIONAL OPEN QUALIFIER:
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
September 5–6, 2026
"The Rotunda - University of Virginia" by Alex Proimos from Sydney, Australia is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Choose Your Challenge
Four unique categories designed to challenge different skills and interests. Following the official WRO rules for robot sizes and dimensions is crucial across all categories.
RoboMission
Design, construct, and program an autonomous robot to solve specific challenges on a field. Because the field is set up randomly each round, the robot needs to make its own decisions during the run.
General Rules (All Age Groups)Elementary
Perfect introduction to competitive robotics. Program an autonomous robot to complete themed missions on a challenge field.
Junior
More complex challenges requiring advanced programming. Robots must make autonomous decisions based on randomized field conditions.
Senior
The most challenging missions requiring sophisticated robot design and advanced programming strategies for complex field scenarios.
RoboSports
A fast-paced, exciting game where two teams each have two autonomous robots on the field competing in a sports-style match. Robots can be built from all materials with no limitation on motors, sensors, or cameras.
General & Game RulesRoboSports – Double Tennis
Teams design two robots that compete against robots from another team in an exciting head-to-head sports game format.
Future Innovators
A project-based competition where students create their own innovative intelligent robotics solution relating to the current season theme. Teams present to judges in a booth setting.
General Rules (All Age Groups)Elementary
Create innovative robotics solutions to real-world problems. Present your project to judges in a booth setting.
Junior
Teams present their project and robot to judges who evaluate innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving skills.
Senior
Advanced innovation projects with emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking and sophisticated technical solutions.
Future Engineers
An exciting category for older students that brings current research challenges into schools and teaches an engineering workflow for solving real-world autonomous vehicle problems.
General & Game RulesFuture Engineers – Self-Driving Cars
Develop self-driving car solutions that navigate a track with obstacles, demonstrating advanced autonomous vehicle concepts.
Event Details
📅 September 5–6, 2026
Sep 5: Check-In, Practice & Opening | Sep 6: Competition & Awards
✅ Who Can Participate
The 2026 WRO Regional Qualifier – Virginia is open to registered WRO Virginia teams competing through a qualified affiliate or member organization.
🤝 Affiliate Teams: Register through your affiliated organization or coach. | ⚠️ Please note: Registration details and fees will be announced closer to the event date. Top qualifiers will advance to the WRO National Championship.
📍 Location
Newcomb Hall
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
⏰ Event Schedule
Sep 5: Check-In, Practice & Opening Ceremony
Sep 6: Competition Rounds & Awards
Full schedule with check-in times and match details will be published in advance of the event.
🤖 About the Event
The 2026 WRO Regional Qualifier – Virginia brings together teams from across the state to compete at Newcomb Hall on the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville. This two-day robotics competition showcases engineering, coding, problem-solving, and teamwork across six WRO categories. Top-placing teams will earn advancement to the WRO National Championship.
Hotel Recommendations
Hotel Information Coming Soon
We are currently finalizing hotel recommendations and group rates for event attendees. Check back soon — details will be posted here as soon as they are available.
Airport Recommendations
✈️ Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO)
Distance from venue: Approximately 8 miles (15–20 minutes by car)
The most convenient option for event attendees. CHO offers daily direct flights to several major hubs including Washington D.C., New York, Charlotte, and Philadelphia. Rental cars and rideshares are available at the terminal.
✈️ Richmond International Airport (RIC)
Distance from venue: Approximately 70 miles (1 hour 10 minutes by car)
A larger regional airport with a broader selection of domestic routes and airlines. A solid option if direct flights to CHO are unavailable from your area. Rental cars and rideshares readily available.
✈️ Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Distance from venue: Approximately 120 miles (1 hour 45 minutes by car)
The largest nearby airport with extensive domestic and international connections. Best choice for teams traveling internationally or from regions without direct service to CHO or RIC. Car rental is strongly recommended from this airport.
Transportation: Car rentals and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are available at all three airports. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the Charlottesville venue. Amtrak also serves Charlottesville Station with routes from Washington D.C. and New York.
Dining Options Nearby
Charlottesville offers a vibrant dining scene, from historic Downtown Mall restaurants to local favorites near the University of Virginia.
🍽️ The Downtown Mall
Location: Downtown Charlottesville, VA
Cuisine: Diverse — American, International, Farm-to-Table
One of the longest outdoor pedestrian malls on the East Coast, lined with award-winning restaurants, cafes, breweries, and dessert shops. A perfect evening destination for teams and families looking for a memorable meal.
"Downtown Mall, Charlottesville, Virginia" by Alex Proimos from Sydney, Australia is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
🍽️ The Corner (UVA District)
Location: University Avenue, Charlottesville, VA
Cuisine: Casual American, Pizza, Sandwiches & more
Just steps from the UVA campus, The Corner is packed with casual, budget-friendly eateries — a great quick stop for teams between practice sessions and competition rounds.
"The Corner at UVA" by Queerbubbles, own work, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
🍽️ Barracks Road & Pantops Area
Location: Barracks Road & Pantops Mountain, Charlottesville, VA
Cuisine: Diverse — Chains, Local Favorites, Fast Casual
Charlottesville's main retail and dining corridors offer a wide range of family-friendly chain restaurants and local spots — convenient options for larger groups looking for quick, easy meals during the competition weekend.
