NE North Dakota News

The University of North Dakota (UND) College of Engineering & Mines hosted the annual VEX Robotics Signature Event at the Mall of America on August 1-2. The event, now known as the University of North Dakota Signature Event, drew significant attention from both in-person visitors and online viewers.

Held in the mall’s north atrium, the tournament allowed an estimated 200,000 daily shoppers to watch student-built robots compete. More than 10,000 people also watched a livestream of the event. Andrew Dahlen, a lecturer in UND’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and longtime advocate for robotics mentorship, led the organization efforts. Dahlen has served as an emcee at the VEX World Tournament for six years.

“This early season event is the unofficial kickoff to the new competition season,” Dahlen said. “The University of North Dakota Signature Event gives VEX Robotics teams an opportunity to compete at a high level early in the season.”

Dahlen explained that many viewers tuned in not only for entertainment but also to observe strategies and robot designs that could influence future competitions. “The VEX Robotics Nation is watching this event to discover effective robot designs and game-play strategies which will evolve throughout the season,” he said.

This year’s tournament saw several changes under UND’s leadership. “New for 2025, the University of North Dakota Signature was planned, executed and ‘painted green’ by the UND College of Engineering & Mines,” Dahlen said. To accommodate 115 teams—a record number—the format added a fourth competition field, increasing match rates to 24 per hour.

“They traveled long distances to compete in this event, so it’s only fair we offer more matches and more time to collaborate with other teams across the world,” Dahlen said.

Registration filled up quickly as teams from across the United States and abroad sought entry into what is considered a premier qualifying event for students aiming to advance to the VEX Robotics World Championship in St. Louis in 2026.

Three teams earned spots at next year’s world championship: Exothermic Burnout from Redmond, Washington (Excellence Award); Snacky Cakes from Richmond Hill, Ontario; and Shanghai RuiGuan Team 9123C from Shanghai—both named Tournament Champions.

In an interview with FUN Robotics Network, members of Snacky Cakes discussed their surprise at winning and emphasized alliance-building during matches. A member of Shanghai RuiGuan highlighted teamwork and mental health as key factors for success.

Dahlen praised all participants: “They are so talented. They are practicing, budding engineers. We’re excited to see what their futures are going to look like, and we hope to see their talent brought to the UND College of Engineering & Mines.”

The event also provided information about UND’s degree programs in engineering, computer science, geology, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and related fields.

Dean Ryan Adams addressed students: “The University of North Dakota College of Engineering & Mines does a lot of the things that this event represents,” he said. “Part of it is competitive, part of it is learning to write code, part of it is learning how to use autonomy, part of it is all of the motors and all of the servos, sensors and so forth that go into it. This is the kind of thing that is incredibly valuable across the engineering and science disciplines.” He encouraged students considering their academic futures: “We would love to welcome you there.”

Chad Frost, director of Outreach at UND’s College of Engineering & Mines noted: “This event lets us connect with students who are not just interested in STEM but actively living it through the robotics competition.” He added that hosting such events positions UND as a leader in competitive robotics education within its region.

Kevin Welsh from SICK Sensor Intelligence addressed participants: “You are all the future of automation and our industry,” he said. “I am so excited that there is going to be a whole slew of engineers coming from this event.”

Dahlen told The Manufacturing Millennial about connecting students with educators and industry leaders: “We want educators, the private sector and students to know that there are so many opportunities out there. One in three engineering jobs go unfilled.”

Paula Mortenson acknowledged volunteer contributions: “We thank the Mall of America for letting us host this event,” she said. She credited over 120 volunteers with helping organize logistics for competitors and spectators alike.

Event partners included SICK Sensor Intelligence; St. Cloud Technical & Community College; and South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.