Busan Hosts the 26th International Robot Olympiad

Busan, South Korea - Busan is playing host to the 26th International Robot Olympiad (IRO) from January 17 to 21, 2025, at the BEXCO convention center. The event, known for fostering global collaboration in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), has drawn more than 3,400 participants from 20 countries, making it the largest edition since its inception in 1999.

The IRO has become a significant platform for nurturing young talent in robotics, providing participants with opportunities to compete, innovate, and collaborate in this rapidly evolving field.

This year’s competition features 15 categories across 35 divisions, including high-profile events like AI Autonomous Driving, AI Hubot, and Smart Farming. Participants are divided into junior and senior groups, competing in a wide range of creative and technical challenges. For the first time, a virtual reality (VR) category, "Dream Designers VR," has been introduced as a trial event, reflecting the growing integration of immersive technologies in robotics.

According to organizers, the event underscores the importance of robotics and AI in addressing global challenges and creating new opportunities. The IRO is jointly hosted by Busan Metropolitan City and the International Robot Olympiad Committee (IROC) and is supported by organizations such as UNESCO Korea, the UN Global Compact Korea, and the Korea Robot Sports Association.

The event officially kicked off on January 17 with an opening ceremony that included speeches from prominent figures such as Busan Vice Mayor Lee Joon-seung, Assembly Member Park Soo-young, and other local officials. Their remarks emphasized Busan’s growing role in the global robotics community and the significance of hosting such an event.

The ceremony also included a walkthrough of the competition venue by key stakeholders, including representatives from IROC and the Busan Information Industry Promotion Agency. They met with participants to encourage their efforts and explore the innovative solutions on display.

This year’s event features an extensive lineup of forums, conferences, and exhibitions. Experts from academia and industry, including researchers from KAIST, Hyundai Robotics Lab, and the Seoul National University Big Data AI Center, are presenting insights into the latest advancements in robotics, AI, and related technologies.

Interactive booths and VR experiences are open to the public, providing hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technologies. Attendees can explore various applications of robotics, from autonomous systems to industrial automation and AI-powered solutions. These activities aim to bridge the gap between innovation and public engagement, making technology accessible to a broader audience.

A special mentoring program led by students from KAIST has been organized for competition participants, offering guidance on academic and career pathways in robotics and AI.

The event is expected to attract between 5,000 and 10,000 visitors, contributing significantly to the local economy through tourism and related activities. Beyond its immediate economic impact, the Olympiad serves as a platform to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education among students and raise awareness about the potential of robotics in addressing societal challenges.

The event will conclude on January 21 with a closing ceremony where the IRO flag will be handed over to representatives from Malaysia, the host of the 2026 competition. The handover signifies the continuity of the Olympiad’s mission to foster global collaboration and innovation in robotics.