New for 2026
Handbook & Schedule
Everything your team needs to prepare, participate, and compete at ACE 2026.
2026 updates
What's new
Social EventsNew for 2026
Organized social programming connects teams, judges, and sponsors beyond the competition floor.
- Welcome networking evening
- Team social mixer
- Award ceremony & gala
Upgraded RulebookEnhanced
The 2026 rulebook is comprehensively updated with clearer scoring criteria and refined safety requirements.
- Clarified scoring rubrics
- Updated inspection protocol
- Refined event formats
Safety FirstPriority
Comprehensive safety protocols govern all competition events and equipment use. A safety report is required well in advance.
- Safety report due 8 weeks before competition
- On-site medical support
- Mandatory equipment inspection on arrival
Schedule
May 2026
Dates TBDDay 1TBD
Registration & Setup
Team check-in, exoskeleton inspection, safety briefing
Day 1TBD
Design Review Presentations
20-minute presentations + 10-minute Q&A before judge panels (175 pts)
Day 1TBD
Networking Evening
Social event for participants, judges, and sponsors
Day 2TBD
Judge Piloting & Ergonomic Tests
Judge piloting sessions (100 pts) and Don & Doff / Emergency Doff evaluations (75 pts)
Day 2TBD
Athletic Test
4-section circuit: Squats, Wall Hops, High Knees, Backwards Walking — 10 laps with metabolic measurement (125 pts)
Day 2TBD
Awards Ceremony
Results announcement, podium, and prize distribution