Robot Faire 2025: Inspiring Innovation in Young Minds
| Address | 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo, CA |
| Venue | Robot Faire 2025 |
| Parking | Paid Parking ($18 with Credit Card) |
| Highlight | Unitree AI Robots |
Robot Faire 2025 was hosted at the San Mateo County Event Center. It’s a paid event with a very affordable price point of $15, and parking of $18. There were many families who came to cheer on, participate, and just check out the event. I was one of the few that came in, intrigued by the price point and the words “robot” in them.
To start off – don’t come with huge expectations as it’s a fairly small section of the Event Center but still big enough to host a live competition, small tables and sections with robots for people to participate in. There’s even a corner for the humanoid AI brought in by Unitree’s Toborlife AI.
The Unitree G1 Basic Humanoid was a standout at the 2025 Robot Faire, drawing attention for its sleek design and human-like movement. Demonstrated by Toborlife AI, the G1 showed off a range of engaging interactions such as walking, waving, and giving high-fives. All of it powered by its 23 degrees of freedom and compact frame. Built with high-torque actuators and advanced balance control, the G1 delivers impressive stability and smooth bipedal motion, making it an accessible yet powerful entry point into humanoid robotics.
While the demonstration focused on light interactivity, Toborlife’s materials revealed that the G1 is highly modular, with configurations that can scale up to 43 degrees of freedom and include dexterous robotic hands. It also supports features like 3D LiDAR, depth cameras, and OTA software updates, powered by an onboard 8-core processor and robust connectivity (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2).
Depending on the model and price tier, the G1 can be adapted for research, development, or educational use—offering a glimpse into the future of multi-purpose, human-interactive robots.
The Unitree Go2 Pro, also known as the Homedog Pro, is a next-generation quadruped robot that blends affordability with impressive functionality. Designed by robotics manufacturer Unitree, this robot dog features advanced 4D LiDAR navigation, AI-driven motion control, and responsive gait systems that allow it to traverse uneven terrain, execute dynamic maneuvers, and adapt in real time. Its intelligent side-following system, multi-modal app and joystick controls, and built-in 4G connectivity make it ideal for tech enthusiasts, researchers, and educational institutions alike.
Despite some limitations—such as basic voice input support and a few premium features gated behind firmware settings—the Go2 Pro delivers powerful capability for its price point (starting around $3,990 USD). Whether used for STEM demos, robotics research, or remote-controlled exploration, the Homedog Pro stands out as a highly capable platform that bridges the gap between high-end robotics labs and accessible consumer tech.
Another feature from this event was the FTC Lobster Cup International Robotics Competition.
The Blue Alliance, led by Legend (Team 21227) and Reflection (Team 19859), delivered a powerful performance in the Crustacean Division finals at the 2025 Lobster Cup International, held at the San Mateo County Event Center.
Facing off against a strong Red Alliance of VC Silver Circuits (Team 16158) and Future Brightness (Team 22406), the Blue Alliance executed consistently high-scoring matches to sweep the finals 3–0.
Final Match Scores:
| Match | Winner | Score (Red – Blue) |
|---|---|---|
| F‑1 | Blue Alliance | 360 – 404 |
| F‑2 | Blue Alliance | 265 – 319 |
| F‑3 | Blue Alliance | 310 – 379 |
The event showcased the best of K–12 STEM talent, with creative bot design, strategic gameplay, and team spirit on full display. Congrats to all the participants for an unforgettable weekend of robotics!
Closing Remarks for Robot Faire 2025
The 2025 Robot Faire offered a range of interactive, hands-on activities designed to engage both kids and adults. One particularly fun station featured a robot soccer arena, where small humanoid bots could be maneuvered with colorful handheld controllers to kick mini soccer balls into goalposts. It was a simple setup, but one that drew constant smiles from curious kids and nostalgic grown-ups alike.
Attendees could explore the basics of 3D design at a booth demonstrating TinkerCAD, accompanied by a small 3D printer producing live prints throughout the day. Volunteers were available to explain the design process and help participants see their creations come to life. For those interested in electronics, a soldering station provided an opportunity to try out real soldering irons and build basic circuits—an empowering experience for anyone new to hardware.
These stations may have been smaller in scale compared to the larger robotics demos and competitions, but they were deeply impactful. They reflected the spirit of the faire: blending play with learning, and offering people of all ages the chance to engage with STEM in a tangible, memorable way. Whether you came to marvel at advanced robots or to tinker with your first microchip, the Robot Faire made sure there was something for everyone.
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