RobOlympics 2026: Students Compete in Robotics Challenge | University of Duisburg-Essen

Duisburg, Germany is set to host the tenth annual RobOlympics on February 5th, 2026. One hundred students from five schools in Duisburg and Mülheim will compete, showcasing robots they’ve designed and programmed themselves.

A Decade of Robotic Competition

The RobOlympics will challenge students to navigate their creations through a series of demanding events. These include a Riesenslalom (giant slalom), Biathlon, Kugelstoßen (shot put), and Schneerechnen (snow calculation). The competition aims to test both the mechanical engineering and the software programming skills of the young participants.

Student Support from University Experts

Fourteen Maschinenbau (mechanical engineering) students from the Universität Duisburg-Essen (UDE) have been coaching the students, providing guidance in programming LEGO Mindstorms robots. This mentorship is a key component of the event, fostering practical skills and encouraging interest in STEM fields.

Did You Know? This year marks the tenth anniversary of the RobOlympics, a competition co-hosted by the Mechatronik-Lehrstuhl of UDE and ITQ GmbH.

The event is sponsored by the Förderverein Ingenieurwissenschaften der Uni, the Alumni Lehrstuhl für Mechatronik e.V., the zdi-Zentrum DU.MINT Duisburg Niederrhein, and the Fakultät für Ingenieurwissenschaften der Uni.

What’s Next for the RobOlympics?

The competition is scheduled to run from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday, February 5th, at the UDE’s Campus Ruhrort, in Raum ST 025. The best opportunities for photos and video footage are between 11:20 AM and 12:40 PM, and again between 1:50 PM and 2:30 PM, during the robot competitions. An awards ceremony is planned for approximately 3:10 PM.

Expert Insight: The RobOlympics represent a valuable opportunity to cultivate the next generation of engineers and programmers. By providing a hands-on, competitive environment, the event encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, potentially influencing their future career paths.

Media representatives wishing to cover the event are asked to register with Maximilian Hohn at [email protected] or by calling 0152 21401414.

Frequently Asked Questions

What disciplines will the robots compete in?

The robots will compete in Riesenslalom, Biathlon, Kugelstoßen, and Schneerechnen.

Who is organizing the RobOlympics?

The Mechatronik-Lehrstuhl of the Universität Duisburg-Essen (UDE) and ITQ GmbH are organizing the competition.

How many students are participating?

One hundred students from five schools in Duisburg and Mülheim are participating.

What impact could this type of competition have on encouraging more students to pursue STEM education?