THE HEWITT SCHOOL PRESENTS: EMPIRE STATE STRIKES BACK

THE HEWITT SCHOOL PRESENTS

EMPIRE STATE STRIKES BACK

Hewitt’s Big Apple Bash Combat Robotics Event

The Empire State strikes back as Hewitt launches its first official combat robotics event in the heart of Manhattan. Join us for a day of intense battles, creative engineering, and legendary competition at the Big Apple Bash.

πŸ“… Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
πŸ“ Location: The Hewitt School β€” Upper East Side, NYC
πŸ”§ Competition Classes:

  • Antweight Robots (1 lb)

  • PLAnt Class Robots
    πŸ† Divisions: Combined Youth & Adult Bracket
    πŸ“ Rule Set: SPARC.IO Competition Rules


βš™οΈ Division Details

For this historic event, Youth and Adult brackets have been combined:

  • Youth and Adult competitors will face each other in matches.

  • Matches will rotate across age groups for a fair and exciting lineup.

  • Finals and awards will be based on overall performance, not age division.

Driver Rule

  • 1 Driver = 1 Robot (Unless in a different class)

  • Each competitor may enter and drive only one robot during the event.

Prizes

πŸ₯‡ 1st Place β€” Combat Champion
πŸ₯ˆ 2nd Place β€” Finalist
πŸ₯‰ 3rd Place β€” Semifinalist
⭐ Special Award β€” Galactic Design Award


πŸ”§ Combat Rules (SPARC.IO Standard)

All robots must follow SPARC.IO rules and Hewitt safety protocols.

❗ Strictly Prohibited Weapon Types

  • Overhead attacks (hammer-saw mechanisms; note: hammers are allowed)

  • Flamethrowers or fire-based systems

  • Tasers, stun weapons, or high-voltage discharge

  • Radio jamming or signal interference

  • Entanglement weapons (ropes, nets, wires, adhesives, foams, tethers, or anything designed to immobilize a robot)

Robots using banned systems will not be allowed to compete.


πŸ›‘οΈ Safety & Inspection

All robots must pass a mandatory inspection before entering the arena:

βœ”οΈ Weapon failsafe functions properly
βœ”οΈ Drive system failsafe works
βœ”οΈ Battery is enclosed and undamaged
βœ”οΈ All sharp or exposed components are shielded in the pit
βœ”οΈ Transport locks are used when moving the robot

Robots failing inspection cannot compete until corrected.


⭐ Galactic Design Award

In a galaxy not so far away, style matters.

  • Decorate your robot with a Star Wars–inspired theme

  • Designs may reference factions, planets, droids, or starships

  • All decorations must be cosmetic only (no functional weapon changes)

  • Judged on creativity, craftsmanship, and presentation

  • Winner receives a special event award


πŸ•’ Tentative Schedule

8:00 AM β€” Doors Open & Registration
8:30–10:00 AM β€” Robot Safety Inspections
10:00 AM β€” Driver & Competitor Meeting
10:30 AM β€” Matches Begin
1:00 PM β€” Lunch Break
5:00–5:30 PM β€” Finals & Awards


Contact

πŸ“§ Andrew.Iacona@hewittschool.org
πŸ“ž 212-288-1919 ext. 390

Location: 45 E 75th St, New York, NY 10021, USA

Website: https://www.hewittschool.org/

Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026

Begin: 08:00

End: 17:48

Bot Class Registrations
1lb - Antweight 20
1lb - Plastic Antweight 16