Overview

Automation is the control of machines and processes by independent systems using various technologies.

This is a practical competition that will test your understanding of logic circuits, design and fault-finding skills related to industrial automation in a challenging but enjoyable environment with a view to develop your automation skills further. To participate you will need to enter as a team of two competitors.

Competitors who have taken part in the Automation competition are encouraged to consider taking part in Mechatronics or Industry 4.0 competitions in subsequent years, with a view to progress their skills set further and also benefit from having access to international competitions.

The skills you need to demonstrate

  • Problem solving

  • Attention to detail

  • Performance testing

  • Troubleshooting

  • Software programming

  • Test design

  • Configuration management

  • Agility

Contact details

Entry criteria

  • This is a team activity (teams of two).
  • Team of competitors must have their own PLC and programming software for National Qualifier and National Final stages.
  • Competitors must be available for the National Qualifiers and National Finals.
  • There is no limit to the number of entries per organisation.
  • Competitors must be familiar with fundamentals of pneumatics, electro-pneumatics and PLC programming.
  • Competitors must be working towards a Level 3 qualification or have qualified no more than 12 months previous to competition registration opening.

How it works

Registrations open 09:00am Monday 3 of March and will close midnight Friday 28 of March.

Entry Stage will be released between Monday 3rd & Friday 28th of March with a final deadline of 2nd of May 2025 (Exact dates will vary by competition).

Qualifiers will take place between 5 of May 2025 to 27 of June 2025 (Exact dates will vary by competition).

To help finalists prepare ahead of the UK Final, we will provide relevant technical training and share mindset development techniques, to support them to remain focused on achieving success.

The National Finals are scheduled to take place in Wales during the week beginning 24 November 2025.

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