Robotics Education & Competition Foundation

Robotics Education & Competition Foundation

"Inspiring students, one robot at a time."

Research Institute

The REC Foundation is a US nonprofit that runs VEX-based robotics and drone competitions reaching 1.1 million students across 70 countries.

Visit Website

Company Overview

The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) is a US-based nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing student interest and involvement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on, affordable robotics competitions and programs. RECF's programs span elementary school through college and reach approximately 1.1 million students across 70 countries.

Its flagship offerings include the RECF Robotics Competition (built on the VEX Robotics platform, including VEX IQ and VEX V5), the Aerial Drone Competition and ADC Pro, Online Challenges, and a JROTC Robotics Program. The foundation also operates workforce-development initiatives such as industry-recognized certifications, the International Robotics Honor Society, internships, scholarships, grants, and an alumni association. Equity- and inclusion-focused programs include Girl Powered, presented by Google, and Indigenous Robotics. RECF supports a large ecosystem of event partners, volunteers, and coaches, providing training, knowledge-base resources, and operational support for thousands of competition events worldwide, including the annual VEX Robotics World Championship held in St. Louis, Missouri.

The organization works with major corporate and institutional partners including Amazon, Chevron, Eaton, General Dynamics IT, Google, Kettering University, NASA, Robolink, Tesla, and Texas Instruments, who provide grants, sponsorships, mentorship, and program funding. RECF positions its competition programs as a direct response to workforce and industry needs, citing that participants are more likely to pursue STEM study beyond high school. As a research and education institution rather than a commercial robotics vendor, RECF's mission centers on inspiring students and building pathways into STEM and robotics careers.

Capabilities & Activities

Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:

Applications & Industries

Education & Research

Product Categories

Commercial Service Robot

Partnership & Notable clients

Associating Events

Contact Robotics Education & Competition Foundation

WEBSITE

https://recf.org/

HEADQUARTERS

United States

Company Facts

Founded

-

Primary Role

Research Institute

Company Size

-

Primary Region

North America

Annual Sales

-

Funding Stage

Grant / Non-profit

Funding Total

-

Certifications & Memberships

  • []

Keywords

  • Robotics Education & Competition Foundation
  • robotics education
  • VEX robotics
  • robotics competition
  • STEM education
  • aerial drone competition
  • workforce development
  • nonprofit
  • Girl Powered
  • Research Institute
  • Commercial Service Robot
  • Education & Research
Listed in RobotToday Supplier Discovery. Verified Profile

Related Coverage

2026H2 Robotics Events Briefing: Tailored Recommendations for Robotics Readers

2026H2 Robotics Events Briefing: Tailored Recommendations for Robotics Readers

Discover the ultimate directory of global robotics events in 2026. Tailored briefings for engineers, investors, and founders on humanoid robots, AI, and industrial automation by RobotToday.

CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS | FUTURE HORIZONS: 2025–2030 & BEYOND

CONSTRUCTION ROBOTICS | FUTURE HORIZONS: 2025–2030 & BEYOND

Construction robotics is entering its decisive decade. Autonomous jobsites, swarm coordination, humanoid integration, and a potential $60 billion market reshape every strategic decision in the industry.

Digital Twin, Physical AI & Robot OEM Readiness 2026: Platforms, VLA Models, LLM Programming

Digital Twin, Physical AI & Robot OEM Readiness 2026: Platforms, VLA Models, LLM Programming

A balanced analysis of the robot intelligence revolution: multi-vendor digital twin platforms (NVIDIA, Siemens, Dassault, ABB, Rockwell, Hexagon), Physical AI VLA models (RT-2, pi0, GR00T N1, AgiBot), current Physical AI limitations, LLM robot programming, and the OEM readiness matrix across US, European, and Chinese manufacturers.

Vietnam Robotics Industry Report 2026

Vietnam Robotics Industry Report 2026

Comprehensive analysis of Vietnam's robotics industry: market size, industrial policy, key companies (Vingroup, Apicoo, Phenikaa-X), geopolitical dynamics, and 2030 growth opportunities.

Integrated Joint Actuators 2026: Technology, Global Suppliers & China's Leap Forward

Integrated Joint Actuators 2026: Technology, Global Suppliers & China's Leap Forward

From rotary joints hitting 530 N·m+ to linear joints with planetary roller screws, integrated actuators are replacing the three-part drivetrain. Full supplier map: Tihu, PhyArc, RobStride, Schaeffler, maxon — and China's path from 1,000-RMB modules to global standard-setter.

Unitree's IPO Review: What It Means for China's Humanoid Robot IPO Landscape

Unitree's IPO Review: What It Means for China's Humanoid Robot IPO Landscape

On 1 April 2026, China's Securities Association (CSAC) randomly selected Unitree Robotics for a mandatory on-site IPO inspection — just 12 days after its STAR Market application was accepted. The event has generated significant market commentary. This analysis examines the regulatory context, what the inspection actually means, the four core controversies in Unitree's prospectus, and the implications for competing humanoid robot companies pursuing public listings.

VEX 2026

VEX 2026

VEX Worlds is the culminating global robotics championship that unites student teams from around the world in high-level competition, collaboration, and STEM inspiration.

First Championship

First Championship

FIRST Championship 2026 in Houston brings together global student robotics teams across FRC, FTC, and FLL programs, showcasing competitive robotics, STEM innovation, and workforce development.

World Robot Olympiad 2025: Singapore Hosts the Biggest Global Youth Robotics Competition

World Robot Olympiad 2025: Singapore Hosts the Biggest Global Youth Robotics Competition

World Robot Olympiad 2025 kicks off in Singapore, bringing together youth teams worldwide to compete in innovation, engineering challenges, and creative robot design.

Humanoid Robot Wars: Factory First or Home

Humanoid Robot Wars: Factory First or Home

Compare top humanoid robot firms like Tesla, Figure AI, and Unitree. Is the focus showmanship or utility? Discover why Embodied AI is moving from factories to homes.