Event Day

Live operations info for Hack-A-Bot 2026. Use the links below for updates, project briefs, and Makerspace guidance.

Do Now

Join the event WhatsApp.
Take a look at the Schedule so you know when food and drinks are handed out and when our mini-events are happening.
Take a look at the Floorplan so you know where you can go during the event.
If your team is using AI or remote cloud processing, scan a Google Cloud credit QR code from your project supervisor early so your account is ready.

Google Cloud For AI

Teams are expected to use Google Cloud for AI workloads during the event. The default route is Google Gemini and Vertex AI, but the same credits can also be used for other Google Cloud resources if your system needs remote compute.

The event has 100 Google Cloud credits available in total.
One credit is usually claimed per person, and an average team will often use 1 to 4 credits in total if multiple members scan separately.
Each credit is worth $5 of Google Cloud usage.
Credits are mainly intended for Gemini and other Google AI services, but they can also cover CPUs, GPUs, Cloud Run, and other remote processing workloads.
If you run out, multiple credits can be applied to the same Google account.
There is no manual voucher entry: scan the QR code and the credit is applied automatically to your Google account.

Updates

The WhatsApp group will be where we announce things.
There may be info added there relevant to your project, so make sure your team is on it.

If You’re Stuck

Check the shared setup guides if you are blocked on VS Code, Pi Pico bring-up, or power wiring.
If you still need help, ask your project supervisor.

Venue Rules

Stay inside the designated Hack-A-Bot areas.
Complete the Makerspace induction before using supervised equipment.
Follow safety, capacity, and queue instructions around shared hardware.
Keep rest areas and circulation routes clear.