IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — College of Eastern Idaho will host the first Ag Tech Robotics Challenge on May 14, bringing high school students from across eastern Idaho together for a hands-on competition focused on agriculture technology, coding, and problem-solving.

The free event, organized in partnership with University of Idaho Extension, introduces students to emerging careers in precision agriculture and agricultural technology while giving them the opportunity to tackle real-world farming scenarios using AgXRP robots.

Four teams from Hansen, Aberdeen, and Driggs high schools will compete throughout the day, programming robots to complete simulated agricultural challenges involving sensors, data collection, and decision-making systems used in modern agriculture.

The competition was created as part of CEI’s ongoing efforts to build awareness around its future Agriculture Technology program, which is planned to launch in Fall 2027 inside the Battelle Energy Alliance Future Tech Building in partnership with Frontier Credit Union.

Students participating in the challenge will gain experience in coding, teamwork, communication, cybersecurity concepts, and sensor technology while exploring careers such as Precision Agriculture Technician, Agronomy Technician, and Custom Applicator.

The first-place team will receive a Bambu 3D printer. CEI partnered with University of Idaho Extension to develop the competition, with support from Idaho National Laboratory and SparkFun, which donated sensors used for the robots.

The event is designed to help grow interest in agricultural technology while building future workforce pathways for students across eastern Idaho.

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About the College of Eastern Idaho
College of Eastern Idaho offers associate degrees, select bachelor’s degrees, technical certificates, and workforce training programs to help students achieve their educational and career goals. With a focus on affordability, accessibility, and student success, CEI is dedicated to providing high-quality education and training to the residents of eastern Idaho—redefining what comes next. Visit cei.edu for more information.