Attractions: Robots, edible insects and aliens all feature in the line-up of special attractions organised for the exhibition.
The organisers seek out displays and interactive performances that will appeal to the widest possible audience yet retain some semblance of science in their content.
This year is no exception, with an impressive line-up that includes The Theatre of Science, a dramatic science show presented by Richard Wiseman and author Simon Singh.
The two will demonstrate the world's greatest optical illusions, reveal the science of Led Zeppelin and generate 6ft bolts of electricity.
Their 30-minute performance ends with one of the two facing a potentially deadly million-volt bolt of electricity while protected in a metal cage.
State-of-the-art robot Titan will make several appearances during the exhibition.
The 8ft robot will be difficult to miss, particularly as it will be looking for victims from the audience.
Aliens, is there life out there? is an exhibit that will look at our place in the cosmos.
It explains the size of the universe, describes the many sites where life could have arisen and looks at the possibility of life in our own solar system. It also keeps the viewer closer to home, looking at the most unusual life forms that can be found here on Earth.
Life forms of an edible sort will also be on offer for those brave enough to take a bite.
Dale Treadwell of Naturally Wild will host an area in EcoZone featuring giant stick insects, great diving beetles, tarantulas, witchetty grubs, bogong moths and more.
He has planned a number of "Bush Tucker Trials" pitting school against school and boys against girls to see who is the bravest when it comes to handling - and eating - a variety of bugs.
"The World of Robots" also makes a return in 2006.
It takes place in a 700-seater Big Top adjacent to the RDS main hall and this year will see the second international Robots of Destruction championships.
The event sets robot against robot, with Chompalot on hand to defend its title against all comers.
The exhibition is open to the public from Thursday, January 12th to Saturday, January 14th inclusive. Tickets are €5 for students/concessions; €10 for adults; €25 for family tickets covering two adults and two children.
School parties of 20 or more are €4 per student and primary school groups are €3.50 per student.