Robocon 2026 embodies the spirit of East Asian martial arts.

When the competition arena becomes a "martial arts training ground"

This year, the Asia-Pacific Robocon (ABU Robocon) competition, held in Hong Kong (China), features an inspiring theme: "Martial Arts Warrior - Searching for the Secrets of Kung Fu".

Instead of dry, mechanical blocks, this year's exam transformed the 12m x 12m space into a real "martial arts arena" with incredibly dynamic challenges.

Each team will control two robots, both of which must operate fully autonomously. These "warriors" will have to demonstrate absolute dexterity and precision to perform tasks such as picking up and assembling weapons, and navigating through a "bamboo forest" to collect "martial arts manuals."

The match will reach its climax in the "arena" area, where the robots must skillfully place secret tips on a 2-meter-high tic-tac-toe board.

The team that successfully arranges the three martial arts techniques in a vertical or diagonal line will immediately achieve an absolute victory and be awarded the title of "Kung Fu Master".

According to the organizers, this competition requires teams to utilize many complex programming skills, especially the ability to apply artificial intelligence (AI) and flexible tactics on the field.

36 teams embark on a journey to discover the "secret of Kung Fu".

The intense competition of Robocon 2026, featuring 36 outstanding teams from 21 universities, colleges, and vocational high schools nationwide, is evidenced by the participation of 36 "warriors."

Notably, alongside schools with rich traditions, this year's tournament also welcomes the appearance of "newcomers" – young people stepping onto the big stage for the first time with the aspiration to surpass their own limits.

Currently, the teams are entering the qualifying round, continuing to work diligently in the workshops to perfect their robots.

All 36 teams gathered at Studio S1, Vietnam Television ( Hanoi ) to enter the preliminary round taking place on May 26th and 27th, 2026. Here, the teams will compete in a scoring demonstration to prove the stability of their robots.

The best representatives will advance to the dramatic final round (direct competition) taking place from May 29-31. The winning team will have the honor of bringing the Vietnamese flag to Hong Kong to compete in August.

Previously, on May 25th, just before the intense matches, VTV organized a seminar themed "Applications of AI and Automation - From the Playground to Real-World Production". The event became a valuable forum to find solutions to bridge the gap between building robots in schools and applying them to practical production lines.

Behind-the-scenes stories, the sweat in the workshop, and the journey of turning ideas into reality will be told through 12 episodes of the documentary series "Journey to Robocon 2026," airing daily at 8:30 PM from May 17-28 (except on May 23, which airs at 9:00 PM).

In particular, the electrifying atmosphere of the final round will be broadcast live at 8 PM on May 29th, 30th, and 31st on VTV2 channel.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/robocon-2026-mang-dam-tinh-than-vo-thuat-a-dong-post779355.html