RoboCon New Jersey, the region’s largest public robotics event, will return to Bridgewater Commons on Sept. 27 and 28, inviting families and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) enthusiasts of all ages to experience a glimpse into the future. Its hours are Saturday, Sept. 27, 12 p.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 28, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and Bridgewater Commons, the free, mall-wide interactive showcase features several exciting, high-tech experiences, including a full-scale Robot Rumble, Droid Builders, FIRST Tech Challenge Mini-Games, Combat Robotics, Robot Driving, Science Shows, a special guest appearance by American Ninja Warrior/TV host/author Jay Flores and more.
“RoboCon New Jersey transforms Bridgewater Commons into a showcase of both technology and community,” said Tom Kovacic, marketing and business development director of Bridgewater Commons.
“As Central Jersey’s premier shopping and dining destination, we’re proud to provide a 1.2-million-square-foot stage where families can experience cutting-edge robotics, explore favorite stores like Apple and LEGO, and enjoy a day that blends innovation with everything that our center has to offer.”
Produced by five New Jersey FIRST Robotics Competition high school teams from Warren, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Somerville and Scotch Plains, RoboCon New Jersey focuses on K-12 students to inspire and energize them to not only think big but to develop the science, technology, engineering and math skills needed to become tomorrow’s innovators and leaders.
RoboCon New Jersey will kick off at 12 p.m. on Sept. 27, with early matches in the exciting Robot Rumble, which features 24 high school FIRST Robotics Competition robotics teams from four states (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland). Special guests will join in a ceremony at 2:30 p.m.
The Lower Level will be home to new and updated activations:
- DISCOVERY DOME (Community Hub): New this year, guests can attend science shows, demonstrations and exclusive book readings. Highlights include Fizz, Bang, BOOM; The Bubbleology Show; Building a Droid; and a highly interactive, dual-language reading of Engineer Someday by Jay Flores.
- CALM CORNER (Near Build-A-Bear): Sensory-friendly STEAM Activities available for quieter, independent exploration.
- LARGE ROBOT DRIVING EXPERIENCE (Near Williams-Sonoma): Meet our FIRST Robotics Competition teams and take one of the larger 120-pound robots for a test drive.
- DROID BUILDERS (By Macy’s): Pose for photos and meet builders of some of the most recognizable robotic movie characters from a galaxy far, far away.
On the Main Level, look for:
- FIRST TECH CHALLENGE ROBOTICS (By Aeropostale): FIRST Tech Challenge of New Jersey teams bring their robots and practice for the 2025-2026 game, FIRST DECODE. See teams enhancing their robot design in the “Pit Area” and playing the official game on a 12-foot x 12-foot field. The area will also include a FIRST INTO THE DEEP exhibit, which will serve to demonstrate the 2024-2025 game and serve as a Driving Zone for young guests. Visitors can also drive a “jersey-bot” around an “FTC Racetrack,” among other fun activities.
- STEAM STATION (By Bloomingdale’s): Get messy while learning more about science, technology, art, engineering and math (STEAM) with several fun, interactive activities, including make your own light-up planet and the Gummy Bear Launch.
- INVESTIGATION ISLAND (Bloomingdale’s wing): Spanning from Center Court to Bloomingdale’s, meet several local scientists, organizations, schools and companies that focus on science, technology, engineering and math.
- LEGO ROBOTICS (By Bloomingdale’s): Experience the exciting underwater adventure of last year’s game, SUBMERGED. Meet teams and interact with the field elements.
- COMBAT ROBOTICS (Main Level by Apple Store): Experience the thrill of combat robotics with demos, meet team members and try your hand at driving combat robots like their larger counterparts made famous by the TV show, “BattleBots.” Presented by the Garden State Combat Robotics League.
- BRICK BACKYARD (Main Level, by J. Crew): Explore one-of-a-kind LEGO models from the Garden State LEGO Users Group. Head to one of the Free Build tables to unleash your imagination and get expert tips from the pros.
- ROBOBATTLES (Main Level, by Macy’s): Build your own LEGO model to compete and destroy your opponents with the Grant Imahara STEAM Foundation.
- SCOUTING BADGE WORKSHOP (Main Level, by Vans): Learn about robotics and engineering through a hands-on guided journey led by high school robotics students and obtain Girl Scout and Scouts BSA badges — advance registration required.
