Robotics and the Trail to Eagle
Robotics is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Robotics Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 7 main requirements for Robotics. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Safety. Do the following:
- a.Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while working with robots.
- b.Discuss first aid and prevention for the types of injuries that could occur.
- 2
Robotics Industry. Discuss the following with your counselor:
- a.The kinds of things robots can do and how robots are best used today.
- b.The similarities and differences between remote-control vehicles, telerobots, and autonomous robots.
- c.Three different methods robots can use to move themselves other than wheels or tracks.
- 3
General Knowledge. Discuss with your counselor three of the five major fields of robotics and their importance to robotics development.
- 4
Design, Build, Program, Test. Do each of the following:
- a.With your counselor's approval, choose a task for the robot or robotic subsystem that you plan to build.
- b.Design your robot.
- c.Build a robot or robotic subsystem of your original design.
- d.Discuss programming options with your counselor. Then do ONE: program your robot, or prepare a flowchart.
- e.Test your robot and record the results.
- 5
Demonstrate. Do the following:
- a.Demonstrate for your counselor the robot you built.
- b.Share your robot engineering notebook with your counselor.
- 6
Competitions. Do ONE of the following:
- a.Attend a robotics competition and report on what you saw.
- b.Learn about three youth robotics competitions.
- 7
Careers. Name three career opportunities in robotics.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Robotics Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Robotics, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Robotics is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 6 weeks for a demanding badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 21 Robotics requirements for you.
Robotics Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Robotics merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Robotics is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Robotics merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Robotics in about 6 weeks, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Robotics merit badge?
Robotics is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Robotics can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Robotics merit badge have?
Robotics has 7 main requirements with 14 sub-requirements, for 21 items in total.
