Goldberg Machine Contest

Rube Goldberg Machine Asian Contest, 2025

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EBS와 함께하는 루브 골드버그 머신 콘테스트 아시아 대회

Role: Executive Program Director 기획 및 운영 총괄 책임자

Client: The Rube Goldberg Institute 미국 골드버그 재단

Place: Incheon Global Campus Gymnasium

Collaborator: EBS, George Mason University Korea, Purdue University, George Mason University Korea

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Rube Goldberg Machine

Asian Contest

First held in 1987 and continuing to this day, the International Rube Goldberg Machine Contest is a competition in which participants creatively design and build machines inspired by Rube Goldberg’s inventions, using discarded household items and everyday materials. The contest is organized by The Rube Goldberg Institute, a nonprofit organization led by Rube Goldberg’s granddaughter, Jennifer, which promotes STEM and arts education.

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Opening Ceremony

An opening ceremony will be held to officially mark the start of the competition and to share its purpose and operational framework with participants. The ceremony will proceed in the following order: welcome remarks by Zach and Jennifer, opening address, competition operations briefing, safety orientation, and an explanation of the judging criteria and key evaluation points.

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Rube Goldberg Machine Setup

Students will set up their Rube Goldberg machines in designated team areas, using the provided power outlets and tables. All setup activities will be conducted according to guidance from the event staff to ensure a safe and smooth competition environment.

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Rube Goldberg Machine Evaluation

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Award Production

Certificates, medals, and trophies will be produced as awards for the competition. English certificates and medals will be presented to recipients of the Grand Prize, Gold Prize, Silver Prize, and Special Awards. In addition, prize presentation boards will be produced to clearly display and present the prize money to award recipients during the award ceremony.

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Safety Management

A safety management plan will be developed to ensure the safety of participants, spectators, and staff, as well as to maintain order throughout the event. To prepare for emergencies, safety incidents, and crowd congestion, a first aid room and on-site nurse will be stationed inside the venue, and an ambulance will be placed on standby outside the venue to enable prompt emergency response.

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Goldberg Seminar Program

The Goldberg Seminar Program brings together educators to introduce Rube Goldberg–based education and explore practical strategies for applying it in educational settings. The program includes a lecture on “Practical Applications of Rube Goldberg Education in the Classroom,” a live Rube Goldberg machine demonstration by Zach Umperovitch, and an on-site visit to the Korea National Team Selection event, where participants will receive guided explanations of each team’s Rube Goldberg machine.

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Asian Contest

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Advance to the World Championship

Award-winning teams (Grand Prize, Gold Prize, and Silver Prize) will be given the opportunity to participate in the U.S. finals and the World Championship.

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Goldberg Merchandise Production

To enhance participants’ sense of belonging and satisfaction, as well as to increase brand recognition of the competition, commemorative merchandise will be produced for the Rube Goldberg Machine Contest Korea National Team Selection. The merchandise will include a variety of items such as eco bags, key rings, pens, name tags, badges, and apparel, providing participants with meaningful and practical keepsakes.

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Signage and Promotional Materials

To support event operations and promotion, various signage and promotional materials—including banners, hanging banners, photo zones, and pamphlets—will be produced. These materials will enhance on-site guidance and effectively communicate the identity and brand message of the competition to participants and visitors.