It is a high school robotics competition presented by the AgRobotics Working Group (ARWG) in partnership with the Ontario Council for Technology Education (OCTE).

Students work with an agriculture partner to identify a real-world agricultural problem and then design, build and demonstrate a robotic or automated solution inspired by that challenge.

The competition gives students the freedom to use their strengths in areas such as robotics, coding, engineering, manufacturing, electronics and design while gaining hands-on experience with agriculture and agricultural technology.

Selected teams will showcase their projects at the London Farm Show on March 4, 2027.

It is designed to give students a hands-on opportunity to explore the connection between agriculture, robotics and technology.

Through the challenge, students will:

• Work on a real problem identified by the agriculture industry.

• Apply skills in robotics, coding, engineering, manufacturing and design.

• Build connections with farmers and agriculture professionals.

• Develop problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills.

• Learn about careers and opportunities in agriculture and agtech.

• Showcase their work to the agriculture industry at the London Farm Show.

The final showcase of the robotics competition will take place on March 4, 2027, during the London Farm Show at Western Fair District in London, Ontario.

The AgRobotics Solution & Community Partner submission is due November 13.

The robotics challenge is open to Grade 11 and 12 students from Ontario high schools. Schools and teams must be OCTE members to apply and participate.

The challenge is a great fit for students interested in agriculture, robotics, technology, engineering, coding, manufacturing or design.

Students from a variety of programs and SHSM sectors are encouraged to participate, including Agriculture, Business, Energy, Environment, Forestry, Horticulture & Landscaping, Information & Communications Technology, Manufacturing and Transportation.

Teams can also bring together students from different programs and areas of expertise. No previous agriculture experience is required.

There is no set minimum or maximum team size. Schools can build a team that works best for their students, program and project.

When choosing your team size, consider the number of students your agriculture partner can accommodate during visits as well as transportation and supervision requirements for the final competition in London.

Teams will have the opportunity to adapt the competition space to demonstrate their solution in an environment that represents their agricultural challenge.

A demonstration field area and a hard-surface area will be available at the final competition. Teams may bring additional elements such as crops, bins, fencing, gates or other materials needed to demonstrate how their solution works.

Each selected team will also receive a dedicated space to set up and showcase their project.

Specific dimensions, electrical access and setup requirements for 2027 will be provided to selected teams.

There is no registration fee to participate in the Student AgRobotics Challenge.

Teams should plan for costs associated with developing and building their project, visiting their agriculture partner, and travelling to the final competition in London.

Any additional costs or support available for the 2027 competition will be shared with participating teams.

Financial and equipment support for participating teams is currently being finalized for the 2027 Student AgChallenge.

Details about available funding, equipment or other resources will be shared with registered teams once confirmed.

Teams will register for the Student AgRobotics Challenge by submitting an application form here.

The application will collect basic information about your school, team and teacher/advisor. Additional information about your agricultural challenge and community partner may be collected as the competition progresses.

Yes. A key part of the robotics challenge is connecting students with the local agriculture industry.

Teams will work with a farmer, grower, agricultural business or other agriculture partner to identify a real challenge or opportunity that can inspire their project.

The goal is for students to understand a real industry need before designing their solution—not simply build a robot and then find an agricultural use for it afterward.

Need help finding an agriculture partner? Contact ARWG and we can help explore potential connections.

Teams will identify a problem, design a solution, document their process and demonstrate their project.

Projects should clearly connect back to the real agricultural challenge identified with the team's agriculture partner.

Selected teams will showcase their work at the London Farm Show, where they will demonstrate their solution and explain their design, development and testing process.

Detailed 2027 submission requirements, judging criteria and deadlines will be provided to participating teams.

The AgRobotics Working Group (ARWG) brings together growers, technology companies, researchers, educators, government and industry partners to help advance agricultural robotics and automation.

ARWG supports collaboration, research, real-world testing and knowledge sharing while helping connect innovative technologies with the people and farms that can put them into practice.

Through the Student AgChallenge, ARWG is helping connect the next generation of students and innovators with real challenges and opportunities in agriculture.