Robocon Vietnam 2026: A dramatic 'Martial Arts Warrior' race.

GĐXH - The Vietnam Robot Creativity Competition - Robocon 2026 has officially launched with the participation of 36 teams, representing 21 universities, colleges, and vocational high schools nationwide.

In 2026, Robocon Vietnam will have the theme "Martial Arts Warrior," which is also the theme used at the Robocon Asia-Pacific 2026 competition, scheduled to take place in Hong Kong (China) in August.

Robocon is a technology competition initiated by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Association (ABU) in 2002 and continuously maintained to this day. Each year, the host country announces its own theme and rules, creating new challenges that require creativity, technical skills, and strategic thinking from the participating teams.

While robots were previously associated with the dry image of technical machinery, this year's competition took on a vibrant and highly performative feel. The entire 12m x 12m arena was designed like a real "martial arts dojo," where the robots transformed into "kung fu warriors," performing a series of complex tasks.

Each team will control two robots, one of which must operate fully autonomously. The robots must demonstrate precision, agility, and seamless coordination to pick up and assemble weapons, while navigating the "Bamboo Forest Cluster" area to collect "Martial Arts Manuals."

This year's competition space was designed as a miniature "martial arts dojo," where robots transformed into real "martial arts warriors."

The most exciting part of the competition lies in the "Arena" area. Here, the robots must skillfully place the collected secret techniques onto a 2-meter-high tic-tac-toe board. The team that successfully arranges three techniques in a vertical or diagonal line will immediately win (Absolute Win) and be awarded the title of "Kung Fu Master".

According to the Organizing Committee, this year's exam was highly challenging, requiring teams not only to be proficient in mechanics but also to master many complex programming skills, especially the ability to apply artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and build flexible game strategies according to different situations on the field.

The excitement surrounding Robocon 2026 is further demonstrated by the participation of many teams with rich traditions alongside "newcomers" making their debut on this major stage. For these new teams, Robocon is not just a technology competition, but also an opportunity to test their skills, affirm their abilities, and push their own limits.

The teams participating in the preliminary round.

Currently, the teams are entering the qualifying round, diligently working in the workshops to perfect their robots. All 36 teams will gather at Studio S1, Vietnam Television ( Hanoi ) to participate in the preliminary round taking place on May 26th and 27th. In this round, the teams will showcase their robots and compete for points to assess their stability and practical operational capabilities.

The Finals will take place from May 29th to 31st. This is a highly anticipated, direct-competition stage where the robots' processing speed, strategy, and accuracy will determine the winner.

The national champion team will earn the right to represent Vietnam at the Robocon Asia-Pacific 2026 in Hong Kong next August.

Robocon 2026 also demonstrates a long-term vision by aiming to connect the academic arena with practical production. To allow viewers nationwide to fully follow the teams' journey, VTV2 will dedicate significant airtime to accompanying programs for Robocon 2026. This includes a 12-episode documentary series, "Journey to Robocon 2026," airing daily at 8:30 PM from May 17th to 28th, documenting the behind-the-scenes robot manufacturing, the pressures in the workshops, and the teams' journey of turning ideas into reality.

In particular, the entire exciting atmosphere of the Final Round will be broadcast live at 8 PM on May 29th, 30th, and 31st on VTV2 channel.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/robocon-viet-nam-2026-cuoc-dua-chien-binh-vo-thuat-day-kich-tinh-172260527171923874.htm