Robots invaded the SHAC Saturday as part of the Northern Plains BEST Robotics Regional Championship.

The competition, hosted by North Dakota State’s College of Engineering, showcased the work of 35 teams of middle and high school students from across the Midwest, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Friday morning, these students suited up for marketing presentations with NDSU faculty and various area experts as judges.

The competition continued Saturday with the battle of the robots, where teams faced off in a mission to score the most points possible while navigating this year’s “Bet the Farm” agriculture-themed course. Students faced tasks like picking corn and tomatoes and planting seeds with only the use of the robot.

Next year’s competition is theme “Crossfire,” where teams will be challenged with issues related to fire safety.