Robocon draws crowds as local universities shine

Throngs of enthusiastic spectators filled Queen Elizabeth Stadium on Sunday, their cheers echoing off the cavernous walls as two teams from local universities squared off in the ABU Robocon 2026. This flagship robotics contest, organized by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union and hailed as the region's largest of its kind, drew 16 teams from across 15 countries and regions. Among them were the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, both of which advanced to the finals.

The University of Hong Kong emerged victorious, marking a triumphant return to the championship after a 14-year absence. The local pride was palpable, with family and friends of the contestants packing the stands alongside tech enthusiasts eager to witness the high-stakes robotics showdown. One spectator, a science professional, expressed their excitement, saying, "It's really exciting and thrilling. I support both local universities – they are outstanding and scored very highly."

A former competitor, now a parent, returned to the venue with his children, eager to share the experience and inspire the next generation. He noted the significant advancements in computing power and chip technology, which had greatly expanded the possibilities for the robots. "Winning the championship would naturally be the best, but the most important thing about this project is that everyone enjoys the process," he remarked.

This year's competition, themed "Kung Fu Quest," drew inspiration from Chinese martial arts, blending philosophy with state-of-the-art robotics and automation technology. Teams of two robots collaborated to forge traditional Chinese weapons, retrieve martial arts manuals, and engage in strategic duels, demonstrating precision and tactical thinking. The fusion of cultural elements with cutting-edge technology captivated the audience, offering a unique and thrilling spectacle.