PACK Challenge: Where Competition Meets Real-World Industry

We find ourselves faced with a well-known, yet very difficult challenge to solve: finding and training a qualified workforce to satisfy the expanding future of automation.

Many schools and colleges around the globe have stepped up to the challenge, aided by the support of industry. However, getting students excited about the industry continues to be a serious gap in the solution.

PMMI, the organization that conducts the legendary PACK EXPO trade show series, is closing in on the registration deadline for an innovative new solution. For only the third time, PMMI is hosting the PACK Challenge, a competition for high school students that aims to train a new generation of engineers excited for the future of industrial automation.

What Is the PACK Challenge?

The competition focuses on a real-world robotic packaging application, much like those seen around the PACK EXPO show floor. The competition rules are provided at the beginning of the competition cycle (near the beginning of each odd-numbered year) and the final projects are presented live at the PACK EXPO International show, held in the Fall of each even-numbered year.

Two key elements set this competition apart from others. First, PMMI connects the teams with industry professionals who are willing to share insights from the industry, generating interest for the future of automation. Additionally, the competition is not only about the design and construction of a robotic system, but it also incorporates an element of product marketing and business acumen that are integral to careers in most engineering fields.

The PACK Challenge introduces high school students to real-world design and business.

In the end, the team members must work together to learn, design, create, compete, and market a solution to industry professionals.

What if I Want to Help a Team?

Some teams need help in engineering, designing, and programming of automation projects. Some other teams may benefit more from seeing real-world robotics and automation in action. But all teams need to feel encouraged and validated in the pursuit of real-world hard and soft skills. That’s where industry support kicks in.

PMMI works with companies around the globe to connect them with teams in various roles, depending on the capacity of each individual. Some companies can formally sponsor the event and contribute materials, some can (and all should) be willing to act as mentors, and some may be in a position to donate financially. Other companies or individuals might simply be a willing voice of support.

If you wish to sponsor, mentor, donate, or simply reach out to meet your nearest local team, contact Kate Torrence at [email protected].

The very first PACK Challenge in 2022: the winning team was Waterford Union High School.

What if I Want to Start a Team?

Every team needs a willing parent, teacher, or leader to be the main point of contact. Each team consists of high school students, and while Jr/Sr level students are at a critical point of career exploration, any high schooler is welcome to participate. However, it should be noted that students must be aged 14+ at the time of the show (Oct 2026) in order to attend, as per show regulations.

2024 PACK Challenge winning team, Becker High School/Legacy Christian Academy

1. The first step is to assemble the students and register the team. For the current competition cycle, the October 31st deadline is fast approaching.
2. Each team must submit a video of the project proposal and written components, including a summary, design notes, a simulation or prototype, and a marketing plan. Details can be found in the official manual. For the current competition, this deadline is November 21st.
3. Judges will select and announce the finalist teams, who will then have from January 2026 to October 2026 to turn the design and prototype into a final assembly.
4. The final deadline is a team presentation at the PACK EXPO International show, Oct 21-26, 2026, in Chicago.

For more information about forming and registering a team, contact Kate Torrence at [email protected].

Why Are Competitions Important for Learning?

Educational classes and courses are indeed a great way to learn new skills. However, industry professionals know that the key to success is not to simply learn baseline knowledge, but to constantly push the boundaries of where imagination and practicality meet. Competitions force participants to imagine new solutions and overcome problems, while creating engagement, excitement, and teamwork.

PMMI, with the PACK Challenge, has embraced this method of learning and creativity, and we at Control.com stand along with them as they work to build the next generation of automation engineers.

All images used courtesy of PMMI