I’m excited to introduce the 2025–2026 robotics arena contest game that keeps the TCEA-style tradition alive — Warehouse Warrior! Designed by Michael Goddard and Zachary Colt, this contest offers a familiar format with fresh challenges.
Warehouse Warrior Arena Competition
In Warehouse Warrior, robots step into the role of warehouse helpers—moving merchandise, handling hazardous materials, and keeping operations running smoothly.
Just like previous TCEA arena contests, the game mat and board are identical to those used in recent years, and all the game pieces are familiar favorites.
During each match, two-team alliances work together to complete warehouse-themed tasks like:
- Transporting totes, merchandise, and packing materials to the packing station
- Delivering completed orders with LEGO bricks, cotton balls, and shipping labels to the shipping dock
- Handling propane tanks (PVC couplers) safely
- Disposing of hazardous materials (dice)
- Parking and maintaining robots in the Robot Maintenance Shed
- Avoiding workplace accidents (don’t knock over the LEGO supervisor!)
Autonomous Skills Challenge: A New Opportunity in the Pit
This year, teams will have the chance to test their coding and problem-solving skills in a special Autonomous Skills Challenge arena located in the Pit. Unlike the Alliance Arena matches, only one team will compete at a time in this challenge—and it’s all about the code.
How It Works
In the Autonomous Skills Challenge, teams will have 60 seconds to complete as many of the arena tasks as possible. Robots must operate completely autonomously—no driving allowed! The setup and game board will be identical to the Alliance Arena game, which means there’s only one set of rules and point-earning challenges for students to learn. A safe zone will also be available for quick maintenance or adjustments between runs, so teams can fine-tune their approach.
Opportunities to Compete
Each team can attempt the challenge up to three times during their time in the Pit. Their best score will count as their score of record. Participation is completely optional, and results from the Autonomous Skills Challenge will not affect Alliance Arena scores or team rankings.
Recognition for Top Teams
At the end of the contest, trophies will be awarded to the top three teams who achieve the highest scores in the Autonomous Skills Challenge. It’s a great way for teams to showcase their coding skills, push their robots to new limits, and earn bragging rights—without impacting their main competition performance.
North Texas Robotics Contest Featuring Warehouse Warrior
Get ready to test your team’s robot in this exciting challenge:
- Event: North Texas Robotics Contest featuring Warehouse Warrior
- Date: Spring 2026 (exact date TBA)
- Location: Keene High School, Keene, Texas
Resources for Teams
- Game website
- Game manual
- Score Sheet
- Warehouse Warrior Summary Video
- Autonomous Skills Challenge Score Sheet
- Autonomous Skills Challenge Summary Video
Join the Conversation
Got questions about rules or strategies? Head over to the TCEA Robotics Contest Group in the TCEA Community. When posting, please title your message: “Warehouse Warrior rule #” so others can easily follow and respond.
A huge thanks goes to Michael Goddard and Zachary Colt for carrying forward the TCEA-ish arena contest tradition. Their creativity and commitment keep the robotics competition spirit alive, giving students opportunities to learn, problem-solve, and collaborate in exciting, real-world ways.
Go Bot Go Go!
Peggy
