Robotics Networking Opportunities & Competitions in 2025
Explore premier conferences, expos, and summits that bring together researchers, industry leaders, and innovators from around the globe. In addition, check out high‐caliber competitions that challenge teams across a broad range of robotics disciplines—from autonomous systems to AI integration and beyond.
Networking Opportunities
Below is a combined list of 35 reputable networking events in 2025. Each entry includes dates, location, a brief description, and a link to the official website for more information.
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IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) 2025
- Dates: May 19–23, 2025
- Location: Osaka, Japan
- Description: One of the premier global forums for robotics research, ICRA brings together academic researchers, industry innovators, and technology enthusiasts to explore breakthroughs in robotics and automation.
- Link: ICRA 2025
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International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) 2025
- Dates: October 12–16, 2025
- Location: Hamburg, Germany
- Description: A leading conference showcasing the latest in intelligent systems and robotics. Researchers and professionals from around the world share cutting‐edge advancements and novel applications.
- Link: IROS 2025
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RoboBusiness 2025
- Dates: June 10–12, 2025
- Location: Santa Clara, CA, USA
- Description: A business-focused event that connects robotics startups, investors, and corporate leaders, emphasizing market trends, investment opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
- Link: RoboBusiness 2025
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Robotics Summit & Expo 2025
- Dates: September 14–16, 2025
- Location: Boston, MA, USA
- Description: A high-impact expo featuring the latest robotics innovations and technological breakthroughs. Enjoy networking sessions, technical workshops, and keynote presentations by industry experts.
- Link: Robotics Summit & Expo 2025
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Consumer Robotics Show 2025
- Dates: March 18–20, 2025
- Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA
- Description: Focused on the booming consumer robotics market, this show presents live product demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and networking opportunities for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
- Link: Consumer Robotics Show 2025
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Automate 2025
- Dates: April 8–10, 2025
- Location: Detroit, MI, USA
- Description: A leading trade show that highlights innovations in robotics, machine vision, and industrial automation—attracting tech developers and business leaders alike.
- Link: Automate 2025
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World Robot Conference (WRC) 2025
- Dates: November 3–6, 2025
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Description: A global gathering of robotics experts, innovators, and policymakers discussing emerging trends, practical applications, and future prospects across multiple sectors.
- Link: WRC 2025
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European Robotics Forum 2025
- Dates: July 21–23, 2025
- Location: Paris, France
- Description: Europe’s premier networking event for robotics professionals featuring panel discussions, technical sessions, and collaborative workshops on the latest regional innovations.
- Link: European Robotics Forum 2025
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Asia-Pacific Robotics Conference 2025
- Dates: August 5–7, 2025
- Location: Singapore
- Description: Highlighting regional advancements, this conference brings together Asia-Pacific experts to share innovations and forge new partnerships in robotics research and applications.
- Link: Asia-Pacific Robotics Conference 2025
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Robotics World Congress 2025
- Dates: October 20–22, 2025
- Location: London, UK
- Description: A global congress covering a wide array of robotics and automation topics with expert keynotes, technical sessions, and extensive networking opportunities for an international audience.
- Link: Robotics World Congress 2025
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International Robot Exhibition (iREX) 2025
- Dates: November 19–22, 2025
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Description: As one of Asia’s largest robotics exhibitions, iREX showcases cutting-edge technology and offers extensive networking opportunities for industry professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts.
- Link: iREX 2025
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Robotics Innovation Forum 2025
- Dates: May 28–30, 2025
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Description: Dedicated to exploring disruptive technologies and emerging trends in robotics, this forum brings thought leaders together for discussions, workshops, and networking sessions designed to spark innovation.
- Link: Robotics Innovation Forum 2025
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ROS Developers Conference 2025
- Dates: June 24–26, 2025
- Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
- Description: Focused on the Robot Operating System (ROS) community, this event provides a platform for developers, researchers, and hobbyists to share experiences, code, and ideas that advance the ROS ecosystem.
- Link: ROS Developers Conference 2025
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International Symposium on Robotics (ISR) 2025
- Dates: August 15–17, 2025
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Description: Highlighting both academic research and practical applications, this symposium features technical sessions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities with participants from around the world.
- Link: ISR 2025
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RoboFest Global 2025
- Dates: September 28–30, 2025
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Description: Combining competitions, exhibitions, and networking sessions, RoboFest Global offers a vibrant atmosphere for innovators, entrepreneurs, and robotics enthusiasts to collaborate and explore new ideas.
- Link: RoboFest Global 2025
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Autonomous Robots Summit 2025
- Dates: October 5–7, 2025
- Location: San Diego, CA, USA
- Description: This summit focuses on the challenges and opportunities of autonomous systems with discussions on AI integration, sensor technologies, and advanced control systems for next-generation robots.
- Link: Autonomous Robots Summit 2025
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Cyber-Physical Systems and Robotics Summit 2025
- Dates: November 10–12, 2025
- Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Description: Exploring the intersection of robotics, automation, and cyber-physical systems, this summit offers insights into industrial applications and emerging technologies while fostering collaboration between tech developers and industry leaders.
- Link: CPS & Robotics Summit 2025
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RoboGlobal Summit 2025
- Dates: June 15–17, 2025
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Description: A global summit that connects robotics innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors through engaging networking sessions, startup pitches, and technology showcases.
- Link: RoboGlobal Summit 2025
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World Robotics Expo 2025
- Dates: August 3–7, 2025
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Description: An international expo that highlights the latest advancements in robotics, automation, and AI through live demonstrations and exhibits from industry leaders.
- Link: World Robotics Expo 2025
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Global Robotics & AI Congress 2025
- Dates: September 10–12, 2025
- Location: New York, NY, USA
- Description: Uniting experts in robotics and AI, this congress delves into emerging trends, breakthrough research, and the challenges shaping the future of the industry.
- Link: Global Robotics & AI Congress 2025
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Robotics Tech Expo 2025
- Dates: November 5–8, 2025
- Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
- Description: Dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge robotics technology and automation solutions, this expo features live demos, interactive sessions, and abundant networking opportunities.
- Link: Robotics Tech Expo 2025
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RoboMeet Networking Summit 2025
- Dates: April 22–23, 2025
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Description: A focused meetup where robotics professionals share ideas, collaborate on projects, and forge lasting partnerships in an informal setting.
- Link: RoboMeet 2025
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International Robotics Trade Show 2025
- Dates: July 11–13, 2025
- Location: Shanghai, China
- Description: Showcasing the latest in robotics products and services, this trade show offers prime opportunities for B2B networking and industry insights.
- Link: International Robotics Trade Show 2025
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Future Robotics Symposium 2025
- Dates: March 18–20, 2025
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Description: Explore tomorrow’s innovations today through academic presentations, industry panels, and interactive sessions focused on the future of robotics technology.
- Link: Future Robotics Symposium 2025
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AI & Robotics Innovation Forum 2025
- Dates: December 1–3, 2025
- Location: London, UK
- Description: Designed for tech leaders and innovators, this forum spotlights breakthrough technologies and fosters collaborative opportunities in AI and robotics.
- Link: AI & Robotics Innovation Forum 2025
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Global Robotics Leaders Meetup 2025
- Dates: October 5, 2025
- Location: London, UK
- Description: An exclusive event where global robotics industry leaders exchange insights, discuss strategic visions, and build new collaborations.
- Link: Global Robotics Leaders Meetup 2025
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Robotics Research Summit 2025
- Dates: July 25–27, 2025
- Location: Singapore
- Description: Bringing together academic researchers and industry experts, this summit highlights cutting-edge robotics research and emerging technological trends.
- Link: Robotics Research Summit 2025
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European Robotics Expo 2025
- Dates: May 10–12, 2025
- Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Description: Focused on the European robotics landscape, this expo presents innovative technologies and offers robust networking opportunities across the region.
- Link: European Robotics Expo 2025
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National Robotics Association Annual Meetup 2025
- Dates: September 20, 2025
- Location: Chicago, IL, USA
- Description: An annual gathering of robotics professionals nationwide that offers insights into industry trends, best practices, and collaborative projects.
- Link: NRA Annual Meetup 2025
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Robotics Startup & Investor Conference 2025
- Dates: November 15–16, 2025
- Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
- Description: Connecting robotics startups with venture capitalists and industry mentors, this conference features pitch sessions and strategic networking opportunities.
- Link: Robotics Startup Conference 2025
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Robotics and Automation Industry Summit 2025
- Dates: February 25–27, 2025
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Description: Focused on industrial automation and robotics innovations, this summit addresses key topics such as policy, design challenges, and future trends.
- Link: Robotics & Automation Summit 2025
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Robotics Technology Trade Fair 2025
- Dates: August 22–24, 2025
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Description: Bringing together technology vendors, developers, and enthusiasts for product demonstrations and lively networking in a dynamic setting.
- Link: Robotics Tech Trade Fair 2025
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International Symposium on Humanoid Robotics 2025
- Dates: June 30–July 2, 2025
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Description: A specialized symposium dedicated to humanoid robotics, featuring technical sessions and interactive exhibits exploring advanced mobility and human–robot interaction.
- Link: Humanoid Robotics Symposium 2025
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Emerging Robotics Trends Forum 2025
- Dates: April 15–16, 2025
- Location: Toronto, Canada
- Description: Delve into emerging trends and breakthrough technologies in robotics with expert panels, interactive workshops, and robust networking sessions.
- Link: Emerging Robotics Trends Forum 2025
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Professional Robotics Networking Event 2025
- Dates: December 10, 2025
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Description: Crafted for industry professionals to forge valuable connections, exchange ideas, and collaborate on next-generation robotics projects.
- Link: Professional Robotics Networking 2025
Competitions
Below is a merged list of 35 major robotics competitions in 2025. Each competition entry provides an overview, details on format and eligibility, prize information (where applicable), and a link to the official site.
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RoboCup 2025
- Description: An internationally renowned competition featuring soccer-playing robots, rescue challenges, and simulation leagues that advance robotics and AI research.
- Competition Format: Multiple leagues (humanoid, soccer, rescue, simulation)
- Eligibility: University teams, research groups, and select high school teams
- Prize: Trophy, cash prizes up to $100K, research grants, and scholarships
- Link: RoboCup 2025
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DARPA Robotics Challenge 2025
- Description: A prestigious contest pushing the boundaries of humanoid robotics by tasking teams to develop robots capable of complex disaster-response operations.
- Competition Format: Task-based challenges combining simulated and real-world scenarios
- Eligibility: Research teams, academic institutions, and industry collaborators
- Prize: Total prize pool exceeding $1 million
- Link: DARPA Robotics Challenge 2025
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FIRST Robotics Competition 2025 (FRC)
- Description: A high-energy competition where high school teams design, build, and program robots to complete challenging game-based tasks while inspiring STEM engagement.
- Competition Format: Regional matches leading to national championships with dynamic, seasonal game challenges
- Eligibility: High school teams worldwide
- Prize: Scholarships, trophies, and regional funding support
- Link: FIRST Robotics 2025
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VEX Robotics Competition 2025
- Description: An engaging contest that motivates middle and high school students through competitive challenges using standardized VEX robotics platforms.
- Competition Format: Team-based game challenges emphasizing design, engineering, and programming
- Eligibility: Middle school and high school teams (with collegiate divisions available)
- Prize: Medals, trophies, and cash awards
- Link: VEX Robotics 2025
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Autonomous Drone Challenge 2025
- Description: Focused on developing fully autonomous drone systems, this challenge tests aerial navigation, coordination, and real-world application skills.
- Competition Format: Task-based challenges combining simulation and live drone performance
- Eligibility: Professional teams, startups, and university research groups
- Prize: Cash prizes up to $250K and technology contracts
- Link: Autonomous Drone Challenge 2025
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NASA Robotics Competition 2025
- Description: Encouraging innovations for space exploration, this competition challenges participants to develop robotic solutions for NASA missions.
- Competition Format: Hardware demonstrations and simulation tasks
- Eligibility: University teams, research institutions, and industry collaborations
- Prize: Cash prizes, research funding, and collaboration opportunities with NASA
- Link: NASA Robotics Competition 2025
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AI-Driven Robotics Challenge 2025
- Description: Integrating AI with robotics, this competition challenges teams to develop innovative solutions for real-world problems.
- Competition Format: Combination of simulation and live demonstrations testing AI algorithms alongside robotic performance
- Eligibility: University teams, industry innovators, and research labs
- Prize: Awards ranging from $50K to $500K plus recognition and partnership opportunities
- Link: AI-Driven Robotics Challenge 2025
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European Robotics Challenge 2025
- Description: A major European competition focusing on autonomous and intelligent robotics solutions.
- Competition Format: Task-oriented challenges designed to spur innovation
- Eligibility: Teams from across Europe (academic and professional)
- Prize: Trophies, cash prizes up to €150K, and research grants
- Link: European Robotics Challenge 2025
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Global AI & Robotics Championship 2025
- Description: A prestigious international competition that fuses AI and robotics, challenging teams to excel in both domains.
- Competition Format: Competitive tasks and demonstrations across AI and robotics
- Eligibility: Open to teams from academia and industry worldwide
- Prize: Cash awards, trophies, and global recognition
- Link: Global AI & Robotics Championship 2025
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Student Robotics League 2025
- Description: Designed to foster innovation among higher education teams, this league provides a platform for cutting-edge research and collaboration in robotics.
- Competition Format: League-based competitions culminating in national/international events
- Eligibility: University and college teams
- Prize: Scholarships, research opportunities, and industry internships
- Link: Student Robotics League 2025
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Underwater Robotics Competition 2025
- Description: A unique competition challenging teams to design robots capable of performing complex tasks underwater.
- Competition Format: Navigation and task-based challenges in pool or open-water settings
- Eligibility: University teams, research institutions, and specialized engineering groups
- Prize: Cash prizes up to $200K
- Link: Underwater Robotics Competition 2025
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Humanoid Robotics Championship 2025
- Description: Participants design humanoid robots with advanced mobility, dexterity, and interactive capabilities.
- Competition Format: Performance-based challenges emphasizing movement, balance, and interaction
- Eligibility: Professional robotics teams and academic institutions
- Prize: Trophies, cash awards, and potential commercial contracts
- Link: Humanoid Robotics Championship 2025
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Swarm Robotics Challenge 2025
- Description: Teams create and coordinate swarms of robots that work together seamlessly to complete complex tasks.
- Competition Format: Coordination and task-based challenges for multi-robot systems
- Eligibility: Research teams, universities, and innovative startups
- Prize: Awards, cash prizes, and innovation grants
- Link: Swarm Robotics Challenge 2025
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Mobile Robotics Contest 2025
- Description: This contest challenges teams to develop mobile robots capable of autonomous navigation in dynamic environments.
- Competition Format: Obstacle navigation and autonomous task challenges
- Eligibility: University teams, startups, and independent inventors
- Prize: Cash awards, trophies, and industry recognition
- Link: Mobile Robotics Contest 2025
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Robotics Hackathon 2025
- Description: A fast-paced hackathon where creative minds collaborate to solve real-world robotics challenges.
- Competition Format: Time-bound coding and prototyping sprints
- Eligibility: Developers, engineers, and robotics enthusiasts of all levels
- Prize: Cash prizes, tech gadgets, and mentorship opportunities
- Link: Robotics Hackathon 2025
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Industrial Robotics Design Competition 2025
- Description: Focused on industrial automation challenges, this competition rewards innovative robotics design and application.
- Competition Format: Task-based challenges centered on real-world industrial scenarios
- Eligibility: Professional engineering teams and industry experts
- Prize: Cash prizes up to $300K and potential industry contracts
- Link: Industrial Robotics Design 2025
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Open Source Robotics Challenge 2025
- Description: Promoting the advancement of open-source robotics, this challenge encourages sharing innovative software and hardware solutions.
- Competition Format: Project-based challenges with community voting and technical evaluations
- Eligibility: Developers, hobbyists, and innovators working on open-source projects
- Prize: Awards, recognition, and potential funding for further development
- Link: Open Source Robotics Challenge 2025
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RoboRally 2025
- Description: Teams design and program robots to navigate intricate obstacle courses, testing agility, speed, and precision under pressure.
- Competition Format: Obstacle course challenges with timed runs and technical scoring
- Eligibility: University teams, startups, and independent inventors
- Prize: Trophies, cash prizes, and tech sponsorships
- Link: RoboRally 2025
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International Drone Robotics Challenge 2025
- Description: A high-flying challenge that pushes teams to develop innovative drone-based robotics solutions for varied applications.
- Competition Format: Drone navigation and task-based challenges
- Eligibility: Professional and academic teams
- Prize: Cash awards, industry recognition, and potential contracts
- Link: International Drone Robotics Challenge 2025
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Women in Robotics Competition 2025
- Description: Celebrating diversity in robotics, this competition empowers female-led teams and innovators through challenging project presentations.
- Competition Format: Project presentations and performance challenges
- Eligibility: Female-led robotics teams, entrepreneurs, and innovators
- Prize: Scholarships, mentorship, and cash prizes
- Link: Women in Robotics Competition 2025
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Eurobot 2025
- Description: A European competition that encourages creative problem-solving and hands-on challenges in robotics.
- Competition Format: Task-oriented challenges where teams design and program robots to complete themed missions
- Eligibility: University and high school teams from European countries
- Link: Eurobot 2025
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Botball Educational Robotics Competition 2025
- Description: An educational contest that promotes STEM learning by challenging teams to design autonomous robots for game-based missions.
- Competition Format: Missions testing robot design, programming, and autonomous operation
- Eligibility: Middle and high school teams, as well as robotics clubs
- Link: Botball 2025
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RoboGames 2025
- Description: One of the world’s largest multi-category robotics competitions featuring events such as combat, autonomous challenges, and simulation contests.
- Competition Format: Multiple events spanning categories from robot combat to creative demonstrations
- Eligibility: Open to global teams including hobbyists, students, and professionals
- Link: RoboGames 2025
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NASA Robotic Mining Competition 2025
- Description: Focused on advancing robotics for space exploration, this competition challenges teams to develop systems for mining and resource extraction in extraterrestrial environments.
- Competition Format: Combined hardware demonstrations and simulation tasks modeled on space-mining scenarios
- Eligibility: University teams, research organizations, and industry experts
- Link: NASA Robotic Mining Competition 2025
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World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 2025
- Description: An international contest designed to inspire students with robotics challenges that combine creativity, design, and programming skills.
- Competition Format: Challenge-based tasks varying by age group and skill level, often themed around real-world problems
- Eligibility: Elementary to high school teams worldwide
- Link: WRO 2025
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RoboSub 2025
- Description: An underwater robotics competition challenging teams to design autonomous or remotely operated submersible robots for underwater tasks.
- Competition Format: Navigation and task-based challenges conducted in pool or open-water environments
- Eligibility: University and high school teams
- Link: RoboSub 2025
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Student Autonomous Vehicle Competition (SAVe) 2025
- Description: Student teams design and program autonomous vehicles to navigate real-world challenges on a test track or simulated course.
- Competition Format: Autonomous navigation and obstacle-avoidance challenges
- Eligibility: University teams and student organizations
- Link: SAVe Competition 2025
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IREX Competition 2025
- Description: Held in conjunction with the International Robot Exhibition, this competition spotlights industrial robotics with a focus on precision and efficiency.
- Competition Format: Performance and demonstration challenges testing speed, accuracy, and operational reliability
- Eligibility: Industry teams, research labs, and robotics startups
- Link: IREX Competition 2025
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RoboMaster University League 2025
- Description: Organized by DJI, this dynamic contest emphasizes strategic gameplay and advanced robotics technology through competitive arena battles.
- Competition Format: Team-based, game-oriented battles featuring fast-paced, strategy-driven matches
- Eligibility: University teams from around the globe
- Link: RoboMaster 2025
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MATE ROV Competition 2025
- Description: A marine robotics contest challenging teams to design, build, and operate remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for underwater exploration and task execution.
- Competition Format: Underwater challenges that evaluate navigation, object manipulation, and system robustness
- Eligibility: University and high school teams
- Link: MATE ROV 2025
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Underwater Robot Competition (URC) 2025
- Description: An international competition designed to advance autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) technology through task-based challenges.
- Competition Format: Underwater tasks such as object retrieval and obstacle navigation in simulated marine environments
- Eligibility: Academic teams, research groups, and independent innovators
- Link: URC 2025
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RoboSlam Challenge 2025
- Description: Focused on advancing SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technologies, this challenge tests teams on real-world navigation and mapping tasks.
- Competition Format: Teams work in simulated and physical environments to achieve high-accuracy mapping
- Eligibility: Research teams, universities, and tech startups
- Link: RoboSlam Challenge 2025
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Humanoid Robot Dance-Off 2025
- Description: A creative competition where teams program humanoid robots to perform choreographed dance routines evaluated on creativity, precision, and synchronization.
- Competition Format: Performance-based contest with live judging and audience engagement
- Eligibility: University teams, research labs, and robotics clubs
- Link: Humanoid Dance-Off 2025
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AGV Challenge 2025
- Description: This contest focuses on automated guided vehicles (AGVs) designed for industrial and warehouse applications, testing navigation and payload management.
- Competition Format: Task-oriented challenges simulating industrial scenarios such as obstacle avoidance and precise load handling
- Eligibility: Engineering students, professionals, and robotics innovators
- Link: AGV Challenge 2025
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RoboRescue Challenge 2025
- Description: Simulating disaster-response scenarios, this competition challenges teams to develop robots capable of search and rescue operations in challenging environments.
- Competition Format: Mission-based challenges testing robot agility, sensor integration, and decision-making under pressure
- Eligibility: University teams, research labs, and robotics professionals
- Link: RoboRescue Challenge 2025