{
  "id": 2753631,
  "title": "HK hosts regional robotics contest",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/hk-hosts-regional-robotics-contest-2753631",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-23T08:46:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK English",
    "slug": "rthk-english",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1867198-20260823.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The ABU Robocon 2026, a regional robotics contest jointly organized by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), recently took place in Hong Kong. The event drew 16 university teams from 15 countries and regions, making it the Asia-Pacific region's largest university-level robotics competition.\n\nFinancial Secretary Paul Chan emphasized that the competition is more than a race to create the fastest or most stable robot. He stated that every attempt made during the contest contributes to the advancement of this technology. Chan highlighted that Robocon is valuable because it represents the leap from thinking to doing, rather than simply focusing on the performance of the robots. He also pointed out the real-world engineering challenges that the teams face, such as tight deadlines, budget constraints, equipment failures, and team disagreements. Chan concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of these experiences in an engineer's development.\n\nLooking ahead, Chan noted that the next frontier for artificial intelligence (AI) is embodiment. He explained that while algorithms can see, hear, and understand, they still require a physical form – a robot with which to move, reach, and grasp. Chan encouraged the competing university teams to continue imagining, getting their hands dirty, and learning from the contest.\n\nOther notable attendees at the opening ceremony included Director of Broadcasting Angelina Kwan, HKSTP Chairman Cordelia Chung, and ABU Secretary-General Ahmed Nadeem.",
  "summary": "Artificial intelligence is moving beyond digital interfaces and into the physical world of robotics. The ABU Robocon 2026, jointly organised by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), drew 16 university teams from 15 countries and regions to compete in the Asia-Pacific region’s largest university-level robotics contest. Speaking at the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK News",
        "title": "HK hosts regional robotics contest",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/hk-hosts-regional-robotics-contest",
        "published": "2026-08-23T08:46:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}