Hong Kong's Young Robot Masters Set for Global Conquest

By Brian Richardson

HONG KONG – February 13, 2026 – The hum of servos and the intense focus of hundreds of young innovators filled the air as the “2026 ROBOFEST X MRC Hong Kong Selection Contest” recently came to a successful close. The event, organized by the Robot Institute of Hong Kong, marked a new milestone in its history, attracting a record-breaking turnout of nearly 900 students from over 60 primary and secondary schools across the city. These 271 teams weren't just competing for local bragging rights; they were vying for the chance to represent Hong Kong on the world stage.

Following two days of fierce competition, the triumphant teams are now set to form the Hong Kong Representative Team. Their next challenge lies on the international circuit: the Minoan Robotsports Competition (MRC) in Greece this April, followed by the prestigious ROBOFEST World Championship in the United States in May. This journey will pit them against the world's finest young innovation and technology (I&T) talents, providing a global platform to showcase the city's burgeoning scientific research capabilities.

The Champions and Their Creations

In a stunning display of skill and ingenuity, several schools distinguished themselves, demonstrating a mastery of engineering that belied their age. In the Primary Division, St. Paul's Co-educational College Primary School emerged as a dominant force, clinching a remarkable double championship.

The team showcased incredible versatility, triumphing first in the MRC "Rally" competition. This challenge places a premium on speed and robust structural design, testing the physical limits of their robotic creations. They then pivoted to a completely different skillset to conquer the ROBOFEST "UMC (Unknown Mission Challenge)". This contest is a rigorous test of adaptability, requiring students to program their robots on the spot to solve unforeseen problems. Their dual victory in categories rewarding both rapid execution and logical thinking highlights a deeply ingrained and well-rounded engineering foundation.

Meanwhile, the Secondary Division witnessed an outstanding performance from Munsang College, which swept three championship titles with a display of stable and sophisticated technical execution. Their robots expertly navigated the MRC "Obstacle Race," proving their agility and the team's strategic prowess. The pinnacle of their achievement came in the highly complex ROBOFEST "Game" category, which this year featured a "Fully Autonomous Bridge Construction" task. The team's robot flawlessly executed the mission, accurately transporting building materials and assembling the structure without any human intervention. Their ability to handle both complex terrain and precise, calculation-heavy tasks demonstrated a comprehensive command of advanced mechanical engineering principles.

A Global Platform for Local Talent

The upcoming international competitions represent more than just a contest; they are a significant cultural and educational exchange. The ROBOFEST World Championship, organized by Lawrence Technological University in the USA, is one of the largest and most respected STEM events globally, with a history spanning over two decades and connecting tens of thousands of students from more than 30 countries annually. Its core tenet—that all robots must be fully autonomous—pushes students to the highest levels of programming and problem-solving.

Similarly, the Minoan Robotsports Competition (MRC) in Greece stands as Europe's largest robotics sports event. It is unique in its mission to blend cutting-edge technology with the "Olympic Spirit," emphasizing fair play and cross-cultural friendship. The significance of the Hong Kong selection event was underscored by the presence of MRC founder Ms. Chara Kamnaki, who traveled from Greece to witness the competition firsthand, signaling the strong ties between the Hong Kong robotics community and the global circuit.

For the students, this is an invaluable opportunity to benchmark their skills against international peers, absorb new ideas, and build a global perspective. For Hong Kong, it is a chance to shine.

Building Hong Kong's I&T Future

This competition is a key component of Hong Kong's broader strategic vision to cultivate a new generation of I&T leaders. The city's government and educational institutions are increasingly focused on STEM education as a critical driver for future economic growth and competitiveness. Events like ROBOFEST provide a practical, hands-on application for the skills learned in the classroom, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience.

The Robot Institute of Hong Kong, a pioneer in local technology education since 2003, plays a crucial role in this ecosystem. By organizing these qualifying events, it provides a vital pathway for students to access world-class platforms.

Mr. Yau Ka Chun, Director of the Robot Institute of Hong Kong, articulated the mission's broader significance. "We hope that what students bring to the international stage is not just exquisite robotics technology, but also the innovative vitality and problem-solving abilities of Hong Kong's new generation," he stated. "When they exchange ideas and compete with foreign participants, they are actively 'telling good stories of Hong Kong I&T' through their actions. As the world championships approach, the representative team is actively preparing. We look forward to students absorbing global I&T insights through these major competitions, whilst demonstrating Hong Kong's educational strength to the world—truly basing themselves in Hong Kong while keeping an eye on the world."

The success of the event, supported by a distinguished panel of judges from academia and the professional world, reflects a city-wide commitment to nurturing its most valuable resource: its people. The momentum is set to continue, with the organizer already planning for the next iteration of the contest. The "2027 ROBOFEST X MRC Hong Kong Selection Contest" is scheduled for January 2027, with school registration expected to open in September of this year. This forward planning ensures a sustainable pipeline of talent, ready to tackle the technological challenges of tomorrow.