Planning Your Pit Layout for a Smooth Robot Event

A good pit layout does more than organize tables. It sets the tone for your entire event. How you arrange the pits affects safety, pacing, competitor flow, and even how enjoyable the day feels for builders. When pits are thoughtfully designed, people can move comfortably, the arena stays busy, and the event runs on time. When they aren’t—everyone feels it.

Good pit layout isn't just about space. It’s about creating a safe, efficient environment where builders can work comfortably, get to the cage quickly, and stay engaged throughout the event. Below are guidelines we’ve developed from running dozens of Robot Smashing League competitions.

Pit Layout Affects Your Entire Event

Even small layout decisions can add up. If it takes someone three minutes to navigate from their pit table to the arena, and they make that walk several times throughout the day, it can extend the length of your event by hours. Clear walkways, uncluttered aisles, and logical table placement all help keep your schedule on track.

Pit layout also plays a role in safety. Builders need enough space to move robots to and from the arena without bumping into other competitors. Wide aisles and clean routes to emergency exits are also essential.

The below sections walk through some of the things that we think about and do as it relates to setting up our pit tables.

Provide Power at the Tables

One of the easiest ways to support your competitors is to give them power right at their pit table, not just access to power. If each person has to run their own extension cords, search for outlets, or plug in their own power strips, they lose valuable prep time in the morning. That extra 5–10 minutes per person can delay safety checks and cause slowdowns before matches even begin.

Simple rule: Every pit table should have power available immediately when competitors arrive.

How Many Bots Per Table? The 1.5–1.8 Rule

When planning a pit layout, table count is one of your biggest variables and one of the hardest decisions. Over the years we’ve found a reliable guideline that works for us:

• Small events (1–2 weight classes, where maximum bots per driver is 2):

We plan for 1.5 bots per table. This ensures we have enough tables for those that bring one bot and those teams that have multiples.

• Larger events (several weight-classes, no limit on bots a driver can have):

We increase to ~1.8 bots per table. We’ve noticed that when you add additional weight classes or allow builders to bring multiple bots for a single weight class, that the majority of competitors will bring 2 bots.

This guideline had helped us place out the right amount of tables, giving us a small buffer.

Example Layout: 30' × 60' Space (30-35 Robots)

A 30' × 60' venue can comfortably support a smaller competition if laid out well. Here is an example layout diagram. A typical layout includes:

• Two or three rows with clear aisle space
• Judges’ and stream tables located near the arena
• A test box positioned near the pit exit route
• A central arena location with easy routes to the exits
• Sand buckets at ends of pit rows

Here is another example of the layout we’ve used in the past for our larger venues. Depending on the number of bots signed up, we’ve change the pit layout to have 4 rows with 10 tables in each row. Or have even added a single 5th row.

A Note on Table Sizes

Most competitors are used to working on 6-ft tables, since these are standard at many events. If your venue offers larger tables—such as 10-12-ft tables—it can be helpful to tape off individual pit spaces.

Taping pit sections:

• Prevents one competitor from unintentionally taking over a full oversized table
• Makes space allocation clear and fair
• Helps maintain consistent pit sizing

A simple strip of painter’s tape or numbered pit labels works extremely well.

Where to Place Your Test Boxes

The location of your test box can significantly influence how quickly matches turn over. Competitors often check that their bot is functioning properly before heading to the arena. If your test box is out of the way or requires weaving through crowds, the competitor may not using it. This can cause more issues arising at the cage, leading to more postponements.

Ideally, place your test box:

• Near the pits
• Along the natural path to the arena
• In a spot where competitors can line up without blocking walkways

Quick access means faster cage turnover—and a smoother event.

Add Sand Buckets Where Builders Expect Them

A simple but important safety addition: sand buckets at the end of pit rows for damaged or puffed LiPo batteries. This makes disposal fast, intuitive, and safe—even for less experienced builders.

This small detail reinforces good safety habits and keeps your venue safer.

Confirm Table & Chair Availability With Your Venue

Not every venue provides tables and chairs, and some provide fewer than you need. Always ask:

• Whether the venue provides tables, is it an additional charge
• How many tables, and what size they are
• Whether chairs are available
• Whether you may bring your own tables/chairs if needed

For more venue-planning considerations, check out our Venue Assessment Checklist.

Extra Tip: Track Which Bots Are at Which Table

A small but incredibly useful practice: keep a simple list showing which competitor or team is sitting at each pit table. When you need to find someone quickly—whether for a postponement, or match call—you’ll know exactly where to look.

This is especially helpful for larger events or for EOs who don’t know every builder by name.

Final Thoughts

Pit layout is one of the most influential—and underrated—parts of running an event. When builders have the space they need, when movement paths are clear, and when key areas like test boxes and safety stations are placed intentionally, everything runs more smoothly.

A great pit layout helps competitors stay focused, helps volunteers keep matches running smoothly, and helps everyone enjoy the day.

If you’d like help designing a pit layout or wanting more information on running events, we’re always happy to help out. Feel free to reach out.