Hickory Bot Battles 2026

The destructive battles continue, in the SALT Block's West Wing Keiser Community Room, again this September!

Catawba Science Center is proud to announce the 9th annual Hickory Bot Battles combat robot competition will be returning September 11th & 12th, 2026. Featuring over 100 competitive combat robot builders, robots weighing up to three pounds fight to the “death" in the 8’ x 8’ bullet-proof arena*.

As the largest combat robot event in NC, Hickory Bot Battles brings competitors from across the country, often including teams that have competed on the BattleBots tv show. Witness the Corporate Cup Competition which gives companies a chance to prove their engineering superiority via a single-elimination combat robot competition for glory and the cherished HBB Corporate Cup Trophy!

Tickets

Pre-purchased tickets for this event are suggested to reserve your spot. Ticket quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Any remaining tickets may be available for purchase at the door. Admission to the Science Center is not included; non-members who purchase tickets to Battle Bots can add CSC admission for 1/2 price the day of their event. Tickets must be purchased for each day separately.

• Friday Non-Members (Adult, Youth, Senior): $6.50
• Friday Members (Adult, Youth, Senior): $3.50
• Saturday Non-Members (Adult, Youth, Senior): $9.50
• Saturday Members (Adult, Youth, Senior): $6.50

CSC Members

Members receive discounted admission to this event as part of your member benefits, but pre-registration is required to reserve your spot. Ticket quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To receive your member discount for pre-registration, select the Register link in the top right corner of the screen to set up your login credentials. Your login email and address must exactly match the information we have on file with your membership. If the information is entered in differently, the system may not recognize your membership discount. If you have previously set up your login credentials, select the Sign In link to get started with your event registration. For assistance, please call the CSC office at (828) 322-8169 x. 300. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, September 11
• Time: Fights begin at 11 AM and may conclude by 6 PM
• Location: West Wing Building, Keiser Community Room
• What to Expect: CSC will open doors prior to fights starting; a possible 60 battles will occur in the Fairy and Plastic Ant weight bots. Festivities will include the Corporate Challenge - battles between Google, US Conec, and Corning. Bleachers are available for standing to view the battle cage; an additional standing space on the floor for children is also available. 
• Tickets: Tickets purchased online may be redeemed during check-in at the West Wing Lobby admission desk. You may present a printout of your ticket, display the ticket electronically on your mobile device, or provide the purchaser's name for check-in at the admission desk. Check your spam folder if you don't see your confirmation e-mail.

• Date: Saturday, September 12
• Time: Fights begin at 9 AM and may conclude by 6 PM
• Location: West Wing Building, Keiser Community Room
• What to Expect: CSC will open doors prior to fights starting; a possible 92 battles will occur in the Ant and Beetle weight bots. Bleachers are available for standing to view the battle cage; an additional standing space on the floor for children is also available. 
• Tickets: Tickets purchased online may be redeemed during check-in at the North Lobby admission desk. You may present a printout of your ticket, display the ticket electronically on your mobile device, or provide the purchaser's name for check-in at the admission desk. Check your spam folder if you don't see your confirmation e-mail.