2026 DigiKey Warehouse VEX V5 Robotics Competition

Blended V5RC MS/HS

Date
6-Feb-2026 Add to Calendar
Event Code
RE-V5RC-25-1917
Program
VEX V5 Robotics Competition
Event Type
Open Tournament
Event Format
In-Person
Field Control System
Smart Field Control
Capacity
36
Spots Open
0
Event Region
Minnesota
Max Registrations per Organization
9
Early-Bird Registration Opens
22-Sep-2025 16:00 EDT
Standard Registration Opens
26-Dec-2025 16:00 EST
Registration Deadline
23-Jan-2026 16:00 EST
Payment Deadline
23-Jan-2026 12:00 EST
Price
$100.00
This event is closed to registration because:
  • This event currently has no spaces available.
  • It is past the registration deadline.

General Info

We are proud to announce the 2026 DigiKey Warehouse VEX V5 Robotics Competition, an exciting collaboration between DigiKey and TRF Youth Robotics. This one-of-a-kind tournament will take place in the center of DigiKey’s state-of-the-art, multi-million square foot warehouse, offering students a hands-on experience in a real-world robotics environment.

Teams will compete surrounded by the very technology that powers global logistics, giving participants a unique opportunity to see how robotics drives innovation at scale. This event is more than a competition—it’s an immersive learning experience designed to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

We look forward to welcoming teams, coaches, and spectators to this unforgettable event!

Please read through the following information to make sure your team(s) are prepared for the tournament.

Registration Information

All participating teams must be registered with VEX Robotics and the Robot Events website and have an official team number before registering for this event. Tournament fees must be paid before teams are allowed to compete. Registration and payments should be made through the Robot Events website.

Engineering notebooks

We will be collecting Physical engineering notebooks at this event for judging.

Lunch and Concessions

DigiKey does have a cafeteria on site with several food options available.

Finals Matches

Will happen emidiedly after alliance selection and participation numbers will be dictated by the number of registered team as outlined per rules. 

Competition Preparation

All teams should come prepared for competition. Here are a few steps that every team should take to ensure that they are prepared.

 

Review all game information: Current Game Webpage

  1. Review the rules and run through the inspection checklist about a week before the competition so that there is ample time for adjustments.

  2. Check the official VEX forums for rule updates and changes.

  3. Carefully read all of the information contained in the tournament posting on robotevents.com

  4. Pack for the event the day before the day of departure. Here are a few items that you don't want to forget.

    • Spare parts & tools

    • Batteries and chargers

    • Power strip and extension cord

    • Laptop computer

    • Programming cable

    • Engineering notebook (Required for judged awards)

    • Banners and other decorations for your team pit table

    • Giveaways if you have them

  5. Be sure to readVEX Tournaments 101.

  6. Review the descriptions and criteria for the awards that are being given during the tournament.

  7. Prep for your interviews with the judges and read the Judge's Guide. Check the awards tab to see what awards will be given during the tournament.

  8. Remember that safety comes first, please don't bring tools that pose a safety risk to your team, or others nearby, as teams are close to each other in the venue pit area. Also, remember no grinding or other actions that create sparks, ask the tournament director for a safe location if grinding is needed.

  9. Ensure that you have the latest version of programming software and firmware for your IQ Brain.

Participation and Consent Form

A completed form for all participants must be uploaded to robotevents.com prior to the tournament. Team leaders will need to check that all team members attending the event have completed the online consent form prior to the tournament. Instructions on how to upload consent forms in English or Spanish is given here: VEX Consent Form (English) or VEX Consent Form (Spanish)

 

 

 


Grade Level: All

Skills Challenge Offered: Yes

Judging Format: All In-Person Judging

Skills Challenge Offered for VURC/VAIRC teams: No

Event Dates & Locations

Date: 6-Feb-2026

Venue/Location:
DigiKey PDCe
601 Barzen Avenue
Thief River Falls, Minnesota 56701
United States

Contact the Event Partner

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Agenda

Tentative Agenda – Subject to Change

IMPORTANT! If your team will be late, you must call or text the Event Partner (Primary Contact on the General Info tab). If your team is not checked-in on time, the match schedule will be run without your team and they cannot compete. The match schedule CANNOT be run after the tournament begins.

7:15 am - Check in/inspection/turn in engineering notebooks, Skills field opens shortly after (for inspected robots)

8:30 am - All teams need to be checked in

9:00 am - Inspection closes/Opening Announcements

9:15 am - Qualification rounds begin, Judging begins shortly thereafter

11:45 am - Lunch

12:15 pm - Qualification matches resume

2:15 pm - Skills Fields will close with 3 matches remaining, all teams in line will be able to finish their last skills run

2:30 pm - Qualification matches end

2:40 pm - Alliance selection for elimination rounds

3:00 pm - Elimination rounds (with some awards between matches)

4:00 pm - Closing

Volunteer

Please contact the Event Partner if you are interested in volunteering at this event.

Food will be provided to all volunteers.

Emergency/Bad Weather Policy

Please check the General Info tab at the event web site; updates will be posted as they become available. If the event is canceled, then "Canceled" will appear in the title of the event on RobotEvents.com, and refunds will be given to teams (minus the RobotEvents fee).

The safety of teams, coaches, parents, and volunteers always comes first. If the weather looks threatening, adults should exercise their own judgment when deciding to travel or allowing their children to travel.

Refund and Payment Policies

Teams that wish to withdraw before the tournament will receive no refund unless another team from the Waiting List can fill the team’s spot. If a team withdraws before the tournament due to extenuating circumstances, the Event Partner will consider whether a refund is appropriate. Refunds in this instance will be rare. 

If the event is canceled because of weather, refunds will be given to teams (minus the $5 RobotEvents fee).

 

Judging Format

In-Person Judging - The Team Interviews and Engineering Notebooks will be judged in-person the day of the event. Teams should bring a physical copy of their notebook to submit to the judges.

Noone qualified for MS Exc