KINGSTON, R.I. – March. 30, 2026 – On Wednesday, April 1, robots built by middle school students will be descending the depths of Tootell pool at the University of Rhode Island, as URI hosts over 100 students, making up more than 30 teams for the General Dynamics Electric Boat Rhode Island Competition. 

The event, held in partnership with the University of Connecticut, SeaPerch, and General Dynamics Electric Boat, will feature students testing their underwater, remote-controlled robots constructed from PVC pipes. Each team will test its robot by navigating an obstacle course set about 6 feet underwater as well as perform a multi-step mission. Teams will have two attempts to complete the obstacle course under 4 minutes and one attempt to complete the mission course within 8 minutes.

This competition is made possible through SeaPerch, an international program that equips students and teachers with the resources and knowledge they need to build underwater remote operated vehicles by providing robotics kits to schools, introducing students to engineering, the maritime trades, design, and problem-solving.

The competition is also made possible through the UConn-URI Navy STEM Coalition which recognizes the critical support from the ANCHOR contract, which is managed by General Dynamics Electric Boat and funded by the U.S. Navy through the Maritime Industrial Base Program and enables continued investment in workforce development and STEM education.

Who: Studentsfrom Kickemuit Middle School in Warren, West Broadway Middle School in Providence, Jamestown School in Jamestown, Nathanael Greene Middle School in Providence, and DelSesto Middle School in Providence.

What: General Dynamics Electric Boat Rhode Island Competition

When: April 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Opening ceremony or welcome
Rotations for Obstacle Course, Mission Course
Lunch break
Award Ceremony

Where: University of Rhode Island, Tootell Aquatic Center, 105 Keaney Rd., Kingston, RI 02881