Area 57 - April 25, 2026

At Area 57 you will be able to get an inside look at all things Drone & Robotics, with Warren Community College. The Unmanned Systems program that has been in development since 2017 and is one off Warren County's best kept secrets.

The opportunities it provides are life altering. Above and Beyond, and the argument could be made, out of this world with what they have on the horizon. Come explore Area 57

Schedule

The event is free for all. We suggest reserving your spots, even if free, as space may be limited for some indoor activities as well as supplies for activities. This will help us plan for YOU!

There is plenty of parking at Warren Technical School. Once parked look for the John La Porta Theatre entrance. All entry in to the school will be through the theatre.

9:30 am - 5:00 pm (unofficial open for visitors coming just for combat robots. Other activities may not start until 11 am)

Area 57 doors will (unofficially) be open at 9:30 am with the Combat Robot Wreckage. The competition will be held in the gymnasium of Warren Tech School. Use Theatre entrance.

Combat Robot Wreckage

Participants:

- Check in for participants, 8 am

- Competition starts at 10 am and runs through 5:30 pm or later

Public can watch the combat as well as speak with the participants to learn about becoming involved.

Up to 55 robots will be accepted. Ants, Plants & Beetles

Public:

Doors open at 9:30 am. Combat starts around 10 am. (Other activities do not start until 11 am, so plan accordingly)

Watch Fairyweight, 1 lb. Antweight and Plastic Antweight and 3 lb. Beetleweight robots fight in 3 minute bouts. Participants will be set up at work stations around the gymnasium, and they are always willing to talk to you about the world of Robots.

11 am - 2:30 pm

First Robotics Competition robots & Warren Tech's robot on display.

Team 56 from Bound Brook, is a very active FRC team and will have their robot on dispaly and be able to answer questions / do demonstrations. To learn more about the team, visit them at www.team56.com.

Meet the RoboRovers, FIRST Robotics Team #8117, from Easton, PA. They are a team of 20 creative operations, business, and engineering students who build 120 pound robots for competition. In 2026 they proudly finished their fifth year of competition with the Imagery Award at Warren Hills High School and the Gracious Professionalism Award at Mount Olive High School. This is their fourth year at Area 57 and they are excited to be part of it!

Warren Tech Students will be showing off their very own robots, and flying Tello drones, some of which were used to compete in SkillsUSA. Kids can even test drive the robots and fly the drones.

11 - 12:30 pm

Da Vinci Science Center Fab Lab Glider Build

Soar into the principles of flight! In this hands-on workshop, participants will use Inkscape to create laser-cut foam gliders while exploring the science behind aerodynamics. With every launch, youth collaborate and piece together the best gliders while discovering how digital design and physics come together for high-flying fun. Ages 10-14. This is a free workshop, however pre-registration is highly recommended as space is limited.

11 am - 4:30 pm

Warren UAS On Display

Stop by the Tent and check out some of the college's drones. Meet SPOT the robot "dog". Staff will be on hand to answer all questions and talk about their new Counter Drone program, opening up for enrollment in the Fall. See the Future of Precision Agriculture in Flight. Join WarrenUAS for a live agricultural spray drone demonstration and experience how unmanned systems are transforming crop management and efficiency. Times TBD.

11 am - 4:30 pm

Fascination Place

Enjoy crafts, STEM puzzles, toys, gears and other activities at the Fascination Place children's activity area. Make a Kite (as supplies last) and then give it a try, if weather conditions allow!

11 am - 4:30 pm

New BUILD! area

A variety of STEAM stations will be set up where your children can build, learn and even race. Build race cars, race cars, rubber band helicopters, catapults and more. Reserving free general admission tickets is suggested for us to plan accordingly. Supplies may be limited!

11 am - 4:30 pm

Robots on the big screen

Catch some of your favorite robot themed movies in the John LaPorta Theatre!

11 pm - 4:30 pm

The Drone Zone

Try your skills with a small drone drop and win prizes.

12 pm

Drone Demonstration

See the Future of Precision Agriculture in Flight.
Join WarrenUAS for a live agricultural spray drone demonstration and experience how unmanned systems are transforming crop management and efficiency

1 - 2:30 pm

Da Vinci Science Center Fab Lab Glider Build

Soar into the principles of flight! In this hands-on workshop, participants will use Inkscape to create laser-cut foam gliders while exploring the science behind aerodynamics. With every launch, youth collaborate and piece together the best gliders while discovering how digital design and physics come together for high-flying fun. Ages 10-14. This is a free workshop, however pre-registration is highly recommended as space is limited.

3 - 4:30 pm

Da Vinci Science Center Fab Lab Glider Build

Soar into the principles of flight! In this hands-on workshop, participants will use Inkscape to create laser-cut foam gliders while exploring the science behind aerodynamics. With every launch, youth collaborate and piece together the best gliders while discovering how digital design and physics come together for high-flying fun. Ages 10-14. This is a free workshop, however pre-registration is highly recommended as space is limited.