System Control Technology
Description
Participants use a team approach to develop a computer-controlled model solution to a given problem, typically one based on an industrial setting. Teams analyze the problem, build a computer-controlled mechanical model, program the model, explain the program and mechanical features of the model-solution, and leave instructions for judges to operate the device.
Wahluke MS, Team 1, 2025 1st Place
Event Resources
EVENT EXAMPLES
Click on the links to the right to view past entries for this event
Additional Resources
Control Systems 101 - An introduction to the fundamentals of control systems.
VEXCode - Lessons on how to program VEX parts through robotics.
Event Deadlines
January 22, 2026
Students will need their Participant ID number, and password, from their advisor. Only the team captain will be able to upload the file.
January System Control Challenge
Students analyze the above challenge, and submit inventor's log, photos of product, and code. Maximum 2 pdf files.
April 2026
At the conference, the event runs as follows:
Team captain has 30 minutes to setup equipment
Team has 15 minutes to analyze challenge
Team has 2 1/2 hours to create solution to challenge
Team interviews with judges after completion
NOTE
This is a low enrollment event, requiring students to receive at least 75% of the total points possible to be in the Top 5 on stage, or to progress to the National TSA Conference in this event.
Washington TSA Rules
To compete, students must:
Belong to a currently affiliated TSA chapter
Be registered (by their TSA advisor) for competition by December 19, 2025 ($35)
Compete in the January 22, 2026 virtual competition (see individual event pages for details)
Be selected as a top competitor in their event(s) and invited to participate at State
Number of competitors is dependent on specific event
Qualifying competitor lists will be published by February 8, 2026
State Conference registration week February 23-27, 2026 (see state conference page for details)
At the state level, 1 team per chapter may compete.
Additional Information
Event Coordinator:
Event Manager: Kari Potter, kpotter@washingtontsa.org
