USSEO (United States Science & Engineering Olympiad) challenges students to pursue human-centered innovation at the intersection of AI and robotics.
USSEO 2026 Winners
Senior: Space
TEAM CATALYST1294
Team CATALYST1294 addresses circadian disruption in interplanetary colonists, whose bodies struggle to adjust when traveling between planets with different day lengths, causing disrupted sleep and long-term health decline. Their solution uses a wearable sensor and AI system to generate a personalized re-entrainment plan, which a robot then carries out through light therapy, timed alarms, and reminders, continuously refining itself based on the colonist's biometric response.
Youth: Future Playground
TEAM NEXUS
Team NEXUS's Reactflow replaces the stairs on a traditional playground slide with an automated scissor lift, letting children with mobility challenges reach the top safely and independently. The system uses a hydraulic scissor mechanism controlled by an electric motor, so the platform rises and aligns with the slide automatically at the press of a button.
Junior: Room Invention
TEAM FIT MY SEAT
Team Fit My Seat's Assimilator addresses the lack of adaptable seating that responds to individual comfort and support needs, since a fixed chair can't adjust for different bodies or postures. Their solution is a smart chair with an adaptive cushion system, reclining mechanism, and integrated leg rest that work together to let the seat reconfigure itself for the user.
Sign up today and join a global community of innovators— take the next step in your academic journey with USSEO!
Sign up nowwhat sets us apart
Human-Centered Design
Our competitions focus on challenges that matter—creating accessible technology, enhancing sustainability, and supporting emergency services are just a few examples of the impactful themes we explore.
Reusability and Accessibility
We leverage popular robotics kits like VEX and FIRST to ensure that participants can reuse their existing tools, reducing barriers to entry and allowing teams to focus on innovation.
Global Collaboration
USSEO brings together participants from diverse backgrounds, creating an inclusive and collaborative community of innovators.
Themed Events for Every Innovator
From health tech to education, environmental solutions to smart cities, our events offer a wide range of challenges to inspire every type of creator.
How it works
Step 01
Sign Up on Our Platform
Register on our website to join the USSEO community. Whether you're working solo or as part of a group, you're welcome to participate in our competitions.
Step 02
Choose Your Challenge
Explore our variety of human-centered challenges and select the one that aligns with your interests and goals. Each event is designed to inspire innovative solutions to real-world problems.
Step 03
Compete in Online and In-Person Rounds
Participate in online preliminary rounds, where top-performing teams will be selected to advance to the final in-person round. The final round offers an opportunity to showcase your work and compete for recognition on an international stage.
Join USSEO
At USSEO, we're building a future where technology serves humanity. Whether you're competing, collaborating, or hosting a challenge, our platform is your gateway to innovation, inspiration, and impact. Sign up today and become part of a global movement that's shaping the future of human-centered solutions.
