Dance Bot Challenge Overview

📖 DBC Game Rules

Reuse the Robots that You Already Built:

To keep the playing field safe and fair, please follow these robot guidelines

• FTC (First Tech Challenge) teams are highly encouraged to use their robots made for the most recent season.

• Teams are also encouraged to:

  • Attach props, decorations, or costumes (must be safe, non-toxic, and secure).

  • Use lights, servos, and sounds as part of their performance.

  • Reprogram or repurpose their robot for dance routines.

• No need for season-specific game elements.

Stage Overview

Here’s what you need to know to get your robot ready for the big dance stage!

• Performance stage will be 6 ft x 12 ft with a soft mat surface

• Clear boundary markers will be provided—robots must stay within bounds

• Robots must use batteries (no cords or external power)

• For powered props or effects, check with organizers in advance

Each team will have the stage to themselves during their performance.

Performance Requirements:

• ​​Dance routine must be between 15 to 30 seconds

• Dance routine can be in either TeleOp or Autonomous mode

• Must be choreographed to music or a song with clean lyrics

• Robots must show intentional movement in sync with the music

• Human team members may appear, but safety

Judging Criteria

Only the dance performance will be judged. Judges will score based on the following:

Creativity: 25pt
Originality of concept, theme, or costume.

Synchronization: 20pt
How well the robot movement matches the music beat/rhythm.

Engineering Flair: 20pt
Use of mechanical/electrical design, complexity, and clever use of FTC components.

Entertainment Value: 15pt
Crowd engagement, humor, energy, or surprise factor.

Team Spirit: 10pt
Representation of team personality, collaboration, and spirit.

Safety and Compliance: 10pt
Proper wiring, no hazardous materials, and clean conduct.

🏆 Awards 

Let your robot take the spotlight! Here are the awards up for grabs:

• Best Solo Bot 

• Best Use of Props

• Most Inspirational

• Judge’s Choice

• And More!!!

🌟 Gracious Professionalism

At DBC events, we celebrate creativity, teamwork, and community spirit—values deeply rooted in FIRST’s Gracious Professionalism. We ask all participants, mentors, volunteers, and spectators to uphold these principles throughout the event.

• Respect and Kindness: Treat everyone—teammates, judges, volunteers, and fellow competitors—with courtesy and respect.

• Positive Attitude: Celebrate others’ successes and learn from every experience.

• Collaboration: Help your peers and share knowledge openly.

• Integrity: Follow event rules honestly and encourage fair play.

• Support: Be encouraging, inclusive, and welcoming to all participants, regardless of skill or ranking.

By modeling gracious professionalism, we create an environment where everyone can thrive, learn, and enjoy robotics.

⚠️ Safety Guidelines

Safety is our foundation for fun and creativity. Please adhere to these key rules:

• Robot & Prop Safety: Secure all decorations and attachments. Avoid loose parts or hazardous materials (no fire, smoke, liquids, or sharp objects).

• Power Restrictions: Use only FTC-standard batteries on your robot. Any powered props require prior organizer approval.

• Stage Boundaries: Keep your robot within the designated performance area to ensure safety for everyone.

• Electrical & Wiring Safety: Insulate and organize all wiring to prevent hazards.

• General Behavior: Avoid sudden, aggressive movements or actions that could endanger others.

♿ Accessibility & Inclusion

DBC is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive experience:

• Our venue is wheelchair accessible with accommodations available upon request.

• Please notify organizers at least two weeks in advance if you require specific assistance (sign language interpreters, quiet rooms, etc.).

• We celebrate diversity and encourage participation from all backgrounds, skill levels, and abilities.