Saturday, September 26 from 12-6pm

Sunday, September 27 from 12-5pm

RoboCon New Jersey, the region's largest robotics and STEM showcase, returns to Bridgewater Commons this September for an action-packed weekend of innovation, discovery, and hands-on fun. Presented by Johnson & Johnson and Bridgewater Commons, this free, mall-wide event transforms the shopping center into an interactive playground where guests of all ages can explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Highlights include the adrenaline-filled Robot Rumble competition, an immersive 3D Printer Playground, giant LEGO® displays, FIRST® Tech Challenge robotics, Combat Robotics demonstrations, robot driving experiences, live science shows, interactive exhibits, and dozens of engaging activities throughout the center.

Produced by five New Jersey FIRST® Robotics Competition high school teams representing Bound Brook, Hillsborough, North Plainfield, Somerville, and Scotch Plains, RoboCon New Jersey is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators. Through hands-on experiences and real-world technology, the event encourages K–12 students to explore STEAM, develop critical problem-solving skills, and discover the exciting possibilities of careers in science, engineering, and technology.

The excitement spans both levels of Bridgewater Commons, where guests can explore dozens of interactive robotics and STEAM experiences, including:

LOWER LEVEL

● ROBOT RUMBLE – Cheer on 24 high school FIRST® Robotics Competition teams from New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania as they battle it out in high-energy robotics matches. Competition begins Saturday, September 26 at 1:00 p.m., followed by an Opening Ceremony at 2:30 p.m.

● CALM CORNER (Lower Level, by Build-A-Bear) - A sensory-friendly space featuring self-guided STEAM activities designed for quieter, independent exploration.

● LARGE ROBOT DRIVING EXPERIENCE (Lower Level, by William Sonoma) - Meet FIRST® Robotics Competition teams and take the controls of a 120-pound competition robot in this exciting hands-on driving experience.

● ROBOT PITS (Lower Level, opposite Build-A-Bear) – Go behind the scenes with FIRST® Robotics teams to see how 120-pound competition robots are built, repaired, and prepared for competition. (Guests should bring their own safety glasses.)

● STEAM STATION - (Lower Level, Community Hub) – Roll up your sleeves and explore the fun side of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math through hands-on activities including slime making, earthquake simulators, and more interactive experiments.

MAIN LEVEL

● PRINTER PLAYGROUND - NEW FOR 2026 (Main Level, next to T-Mobile) - Discover the exciting world of 3D printing through an interactive journey from beginner basics to advanced creations. Guests can watch printers in action and may even take home a custom 3D-printed souvenir. Presented by Fubar Labs.

INVESTIGATION ISLAND (Main Level, Bloomingdale’s wing) – Stretching from Center Court to Bloomingdale's, this interactive showcase features local scientists, schools, businesses, and organizations offering hands-on challenges and demonstrations celebrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

 ● PICATINNY ARSENAL - NEW FOR 2026 (Investigation Island) - Meet the engineers behind cutting-edge military technology, explore interactive engineering exhibits, experience a hands-on simulator, and learn how innovation helps protect our nation's service members.

● THE SCIENCE OF FIREWORKS - NEW FOR 2026 (Investigation Island) - Discover the fascinating science behind fireworks as experts at The Party Shop explain how brilliant colors, spectacular effects, and booming sounds light up the night sky.

● DISCOVERY DOME (Main Level, Opposite Apple) – Enjoy engaging science shows and guest speakers throughout the weekend, including the public debut of The Science Spooktacular (Sunday at 2:00 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.), plus the crowd-favorite Fizz, Bang, BOOM! (Sunday at 12:15 p.m.). Additional showtimes are available online.

● COMBAT ROBOTICS (Main Level by Macy’s) - Meet BattleBots® competitors, watch live combat robotics demonstrations, and experience the excitement firsthand by driving your own small combat robot. Presented by the Garden State Combat Robotics League.

● BRICK BACKYARD (Main Level, by J. Crew) - Marvel at incredible LEGO® creations, including a massive Game of Thrones castle, a detailed Bridgewater Commons model, and more from the Garden State LEGO® Users Group. Then unleash your creativity at the Free Build stations with guidance from LEGO enthusiasts.

● GIRL SCOUT BADGE WORKSHOP (Main Level, by Vans) - Girl Scouts can complete requirements for multiple robotics and engineering badges through an engaging, hands-on workshop led by local high school robotics students. Advance registration is required.

● FIRSTⓇ TECH CHALLENGE ROBOTICS (Main Level, by Aeropostale) - Watch New Jersey FIRST® Tech Challenge teams prepare for the 2026–2027 season, FIRST® DECODE℠, as they design, build, and test their robots on the official competition field. Guests can also explore a FIRST® INTO THE DEEP℠ exhibit, drive a "Jersey-bot" on an FTC racetrack, and enjoy additional interactive robotics experiences.

Guests can also scan exclusive QR codes located throughout the event for a chance to win a $250 RoboCon Shopping Spree at Bridgewater Commons.

RoboCon New Jersey will also be streamed live on YouTube. Visit https://www.roboconnj.org/ for more information.

About RoboCon New Jersey and FIRSTⓇ

RoboCon New Jersey, founded in 2022, encourages the community with a focus on inclusivity and K-12 students to inspire and energize them to not only think big but to develop science, technology, engineering, and math skills needed to become tomorrow’s innovators and leaders. 

FIRSTⓇ (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12). Founded in 1989, FIRSTⓇ is a global nonprofit organization. Programs are suitable for schools or structured afterschool activities and receive support from a vast network of volunteers, educators, and sponsor/donors, including over 200 Fortune 500 companies. Because our programs are More Than RobotsⓇ, FIRSTⓇ participants are guided by a signature set of Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements. Thrilling, sports-like challenges build self-confidence and collaborative problem-solving skills and have a proven and lasting impact on STEM learning and interest. Participants and alumni gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships and employers, and a place in the FIRSTⓇ community for life.