Build Something Awesome: The WPI XRP Medal Challenge Is Here

2026-05-20 | By Kevin Walseth

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What Else Could the XRP Robot Become?

That’s the question behind the WPI XRP Medal Challenge—and we would love to see how you answer it.

Maker.io is excited to spotlight the new challenge from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in collaboration with SparkFun, DigiKey, Raspberry Pi, 3D Printing Nerd, and Experiential Robotics Platform.

The WPI XRP Challenge invites builders of all kinds—hobbyists, students, educators, and robotics teams—to push the limits of the Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) and explore what this platform can become.

Build Beyond the Base Robot

The challenge is simple: start with XRP and create something innovative. Whether you are designing a smarter autonomous robot, building unique attachments, or experimenting with creative applications, the challenge is all about innovation, learning, and community inspiration.

Participants are encouraged to:

Add new capabilities with custom mechanical extensions
Integrate sensors and accessories using the Qwiic Connect ecosystem
Create impactful, shareable builds that inspire the maker community

Top projects will earn prizes and be featured across partner channels, allowing makers to showcase their work to a broader audience of engineers and robotics enthusiasts.

Submissions are open now through August 31, 2026.

Head to the contest page for full details and submission info.

If you have been looking for an excuse to experiment with XRP, this is it. We cannot wait to see what you build.