RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025 In Abu Dhabi Features Over 700 Participants From 22 Countries

The 8th edition of RoboCup Asia-Pacific (RCAP) 2025 is underway, hosted by Khalifa University of Science and Technology. The event has sparked enthusiasm among students and visitors, with over 1,000 attendees anticipated daily. More than 700 participants from 22 countries are competing in various leagues under the theme "AI and Robotics for a Sustainable Future."

Taking place at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi until 15 November, the event aligns with the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week 2025. It is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs.

RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025 features eight leagues and 15 sub-leagues, including soccer and rescue robotics. Over 170 teams are participating globally, with notable contingents from Singapore, South Korea, India, Egypt, Russia, and China. The UAE is represented by ten teams comprising 44 students from local schools and universities.

The event showcases robots equipped with advanced algorithms and autonomous systems. Visitors are captivated by these technological innovations demonstrated during competitions. Technologies tested here often find applications across various sectors.

Dr. Hamad Karki, General Chair of RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025 and Associate Professor at Khalifa University, stated: "The large number of participants at the leagues at RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025 emphatically highlights Abu Dhabi as a destination where competitions drive new robotics technologies. The intense competitions demonstrate the role Abu Dhabi plays in offering a distinctive advantage for AI and robotics research. It also reflects how much interest is generated because innovation in Abu Dhabi is backed by clear government strategies, major investments, and strong collaboration between academia, industry, and government."

The competition serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and technology transfer. Participants are developing robots that operate autonomously using sophisticated algorithms. This environment fosters innovation that can be applied beyond competitive settings.

With its strategic support from government initiatives and collaborations between academia and industry, Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a hub for AI and robotics research. The RoboCup Asia-Pacific event exemplifies this commitment to advancing technology through competitive engagement.

With inputs from WAM