National Robotics Week – Apr. 3, 2027

National Robotics Week
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Week starting with the 1st Saturday of April
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National Robotics Week inspires people of all ages to explore the exciting world of robotics, beginning the first Saturday in April each year. This week-long observance, also known as RoboWeek, highlights robotics technology as a driving force of 21st-century innovation. Discover events, engage with educational resources, and share your passion for automation.

Want to sponsor National Robotics Week? Learn how

Expected National Robotics Week Deals

As National Robotics Week approaches, expect a focus on educational programs, STEM initiatives, and technology discounts rather than traditional retail sales. Companies like FIRST Robotics and VEX Robotics often offer special kits or challenges to schools and youth groups. Online retailers such as Adafruit and SparkFun Electronics may feature sales on robotics components and development boards. Major tech brands like Boston Dynamics and iRobot might host virtual open houses or share behind-the-scenes content on their social channels. Educational platforms like Coursera and edX could promote courses in AI and robotics. We will update this page with confirmed live programs and deals as April approaches.

Platform Guide for National Robotics Week

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #RoboWeek. Share insights on robotics careers and industry trends.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalRoboticsWeek. Join conversations about new tech and educational events.

YouTube

Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Share your robotics projects and experiments.

Social Media Tips for National Robotics Week

Individuals

Attend a local robotics competition or workshop, or explore online resources to build your own simple robot at home. Share your learning journey.

Creators

Produce engaging video tutorials on basic robotics principles, interview experts in the field, or showcase innovative DIY robot projects. Use relevant hashtags.

Brands

Sponsor local STEM events, host virtual tours of your robotics facilities, or launch a challenge encouraging innovation with your products. Highlight career opportunities.

Partners & Brands for National Robotics Week

  1. FIRST Robotics

    Founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) designs accessible, innovative programs that build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue STEM opportunities. Their robotics competitions are a cornerstone of RoboWeek.

  2. iRobot

    Founded in 1990 by MIT roboticists, iRobot is a global consumer robot company that designs and builds robots that empower people to do more. Best known for its Roomba vacuuming robot, the company has sold millions of home robots worldwide, making robotics accessible to everyday consumers.

  3. Boston Dynamics

    A global leader in mobile robotics, Boston Dynamics was founded in 1992 and is known for its advanced dynamic robots like Spot (a dog-like robot) and Atlas (a humanoid robot). The company focuses on creating highly mobile and dexterous robots capable of performing complex tasks in various environments.

  4. VEX Robotics

    VEX Robotics, a division of Innovation First International, provides educational robotics products to schools, universities, and robotics teams around the world. Their VEX IQ and VEX EDR platforms are widely used in STEM education and competitive robotics programs, fostering engineering skills.

  5. Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation

    The REC Foundation, established in 2009, supports and promotes robotics competitions and STEM education programs globally. They manage the VEX Robotics Competition and the VEX IQ Challenge, engaging hundreds of thousands of students in hands-on STEM learning experiences.

  6. Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

    Founded in 1974, A3 is the leading global advocate for the benefits of automation. They represent over 1,300 organizations involved in robotics, AI, machine vision, and motion control, providing industry statistics, standards, and educational resources to advance the field.

  7. NVIDIA

    Founded in 1993, NVIDIA is a pioneer in GPU-accelerated computing, essential for modern robotics and AI. Their platforms and software, such as NVIDIA Jetson, power a wide range of autonomous machines and intelligent robots, from manufacturing to research applications.

National Robotics Week Hero

Joseph F. Engelberger

Often called the 'Father of Robotics,' Joseph F. Engelberger (1925-2015) pioneered industrial robotics. In 1956, he met George Devol, who had patented a programmable manipulator, and together they founded Unimation, the world's first robotics company. Engelberger installed the first industrial robot, Unimate, at General Motors in 1961, revolutionizing manufacturing processes globally.

History of National Robotics Week

The origin of National Robotics Week can be traced back to 2009 when a group of universities and industry leaders appealed to the U.S. Congressional Caucus on Robotics, asking them to create a “national roadmap” for robotics. In March 2010, the United States House of Representatives passed a law, officially designating the second full week of April as National Robotics Week. The resolution was submitted by Representative Mike Doyle, also co-chair of the Congressional Caucus, alongside other members.

The week is organized by a company called “iRobot”, an organization that has pioneered many robotics inventions for consumer products. They have sold over 30 million robots worldwide. Founded in 1990 by roboticists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, they have positioned themselves as the leading producers of robotic consumer products.

According to the official website of National Robotics Week, the week “recognizes robotic technology as a pillar of American innovation, highlights its growing importance in a wide variety of application areas, and emphasizes its ability to inspire technology education.” Robotics is proving to be uniquely adept at enabling students of all ages to learn important science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts and at inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM fields.

National Robotics Week timeline

1954
The First Digital Robot

The first programmable and digitally operated robot is invented by George Devol.

2009
The Appeal

Industry leaders and universities submit an appeal to the U.S. House of Representatives about robotics.

2010
The Resolution

The U.S. House of Representatives passes a resolution designating a week in April as National Robotics Week.

2018
50 States

National Robotics Week becomes an event in all 50 U.S. states.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Robotics Week

Local businesses can celebrate National Robotics Week by hosting open house events to showcase how automation enhances their operations, from automated inventory to customer service bots. Tech companies can offer free workshops or webinars for students and aspiring engineers, highlighting career paths in robotics. Retailers selling electronic components or educational toys can run special promotions on robotics kits, encouraging hands-on learning and innovation within the community.

National Robotics Week FAQs

When is National Robotics Week?

For 2027, National Robotics Week is observed from Saturday, April 3 through Sunday, April 11, marking a full week dedicated to the advancements and impact of robotic technology.

How many jobs are in the robotics industry?

Projections indicate continued expansion in robotics employment, with the global market size for industrial robots expected to reach over $70 billion by 2027. This translates to increasing demand for skilled professionals across various disciplines, from software development to field service.

What is the purpose of National Robotics Week?

The week serves as a platform to celebrate the advancements in robotics and to educate communities about how these technologies are shaping the future of work and daily life. It encourages participation in educational activities and fosters innovation in the field.

Is robotics a good career path?

With the continuous integration of robotics into various industries, a career in robotics is considered highly future-proof. The field is constantly evolving, requiring continuous learning but also offering exciting challenges and the chance to contribute to cutting-edge technology.

National Robotics Week Activities

  1. Build a robot

    If you’re in the STEM field, challenge yourself by programming, building, or designing a robot. You never know if you’ll succeed until you try.

  2. Learn about robots

    If you’re not in the STEM field, as they say, no knowledge is wasted. Robotics is fast becoming a regular part of our world, so it’s important to learn what’s behind the fascinating new technology.

  3. Attend a robotics event

    Thanks to technology, you can attend any event from the comfort of your home. Join others in celebrating National Robotics Week by attending a physical conference or tuning in to a live stream. The week is packed with fun events you certainly don’t want to miss.

5 Events To Attend During National Robotics Week

  1. Robotics competitions

    Attend or watch a live stream of a robotics competition and see competitors go head-to-head while creating mind-blowing inventions.

  2. Robotics company tours

    Take a day out to attend a robotics company tour to get a feel for the robot production process.

  3. University open houses

    Attend a university open house on robotics where students and faculty members display their innovations.

  4. Robotics expos

    Take time out to watch or attend a robotics expo and be one of the first to learn about the newest innovations.

  5. Participate in a coding challenge

    Obtain a new skill by participating in a coding challenge, even if it’s one for only beginners.

Why We Love National Robotics Week

  1. Innovation

    Robotics is a cool part of our ever-changing world, an important innovation that makes the impossible a reality. In the past, robots were the stuff of sci-fi movies. Now they’re becoming part of our world in an unprecedented manner.

  2. Educational

    National Robotics Week focuses on inspiring students and giving them opportunities to participate in the robotics field. Even self-taught people can participate and learn.

  3. Useful utilities

    Robots aren’t just cool toys to be showcased at events but are now useful in everyday life. From robotic vacuums to robot waiters, they’re on their way to making everyone’s lives a tad bit easier.

National Robotics Week dates

Year Date Day
2026 April 4–12 Saturday–Sunday
2027 April 3–11 Saturday–Sunday
2028 April 1–9 Saturday–Sunday
2029 April 7–15 Saturday–Sunday
2030 April 6–14 Saturday–Sunday