IEEE Malta Section is proud to announce the IEEE Robot Championships 2026. The event will be held in Malta on 28th and 29th November 2026
Teams are invited to choose from two exciting competition categories:
Arena – 4 Games (teams of 3)
Compete in a series of robot arena challenges designed to test agility, strategy, and engineering. Arena Robot Competition
Teams compete with custom-built robots in a 6 m × 6 m arena across four different games. Robots can weigh up to 20 kg and measure up to 80 cm × 80 cm.
The 4 Arena Games
1. Time of Fall
A fast-paced head-to-head challenge where each robot attempts to pull its opponent off the edge of the arena in the shortest possible time.
2. Climate CHAOS
Robots navigate a maze representing a collapsed building following a climate-related disaster. The challenge highlights robotics, navigation and the role of technology in responding to environmental emergencies.
3. Weight in Line
Teams maneuver their robots to collect and correctly position coloured weights in designated scoring areas. Precision, control and strategy are essential.
4. Hanging Hazard
Robots compete to score rugby balls while also using strategy and manoeuvrability to gain an advantage over their opponent.
The Arena competition runs over one and a half days, with teams of three university students or recent graduates putting their engineering, programming and robot-design skills to the test.
Robot Arm AI Challenge (teams of 2)
Showcase artificial intelligence and robotic arm control in a cutting-edge technical challenge. Robot Arm AI Challenge
Watch teams put autonomous robotic arms and AI to the test through a series of precision, coordination and strategy challenges.
Qualification Game 1: Pick-and-Place
Round 1: Colour Sort – Sort objects by colour
Round 2: Shape Sort – Identify and sort different shapes.
Round 3: Dynamic Sort – React and sort objects under changing conditions.
Game 2: Two-Arm Coordination
Round 1: Pouring – Coordinate two robotic arms to complete a pouring task.
Round 2: Folding – Work together to fold an object accurately.
Round 3: Wrap a Pack – Coordinate both arms to wrap a package.
Final: Tower Construction Duel
The top two teams go head-to-head, using two autonomous robotic arms to build the tallest stable tower while strategically disrupting their opponent.
All participating teams must submit an AI Robot Championships Pitch Proposal, demonstrating how their project contributes to IEEE’s mission: Advancing Technology for Humanity.
Key Details
Open to: IEEE members globally
Location: Malta (Region 8)
Event Date: 28th and 29th November 2026
Application Deadline: 5th April 2026 EXTENDED TO 15th April 2026
Contact: robotchampionship@ieeemalta.org
Resources for teams 2026
Regulations
Regulations can be download from this link. (Version 0.4)
Assets for Robot Arm AI Challenge Games
The following files are available for the team to use for training their robot arm models. The objects will be provided to the team during the competition, however it is recommeded for the teams to bring their own objects for testing.
ANNOUNCEMENT: The object for the Wrap-and-Pack Game is now available for download for 3D printing. Introducing 3-e, the mascot of the Robot Championship. Download the files from the link above with the game objects.
The objects are 3D printed in PLA with 0.2mm layer height and an infill of 15%. For reference purposes we will also publish the specific materials that the organising committee will be using for the objects during the games. The material and colors being used by the organising committee for the object that will be used during the competition are shown in the following table.
| Material | Material used by organising committee | |
| PLA Blue | eSun PLA Basic BLUE |  |
| PLA Red | eSun PLA Basic FIRE ENGINE RED |  |
| PLA Green | eSun PLA Basic GREEN |  |
| PLA Yellow | eSun PLA+ YELLOW |  |
For other objects the committee is using :
