The 'NHK Student Robot Contest 2026: ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest Japan Representative Selection' will take place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at EBARA WAVE Arena Ota (Ota City General Gymnasium) in Tokyo.

This event is one of Japan's largest robotics competitions where student teams design and build their own robots to compete. The winning team will represent Japan at the 'ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest 2026,' to be held in Hong Kong, China, in August 2026.

This Year's Theme: 'Kung Fu Quest'

The theme for this year's competition is 'Kung Fu Quest.'

Robots are required to perform complex maneuvers such as bipedal walking, navigating uneven terrain, and balance control. The competition demands a high level of expertise in mechanical design, electronic control, programming, and strategy.

With increasing interest in robotics and AI, the student competition is gaining domestic and international attention as a stage for future engineers.

About UTokyo RoboTech

The University of Tokyo Faculty of Engineering RoboTech is renowned as one of Japan's top robotics teams, with numerous victories in domestic and world competitions.

The team's sponsors include industry-leading companies in robotics and manufacturing such as FANUC Corporation, Komatsu Ltd., and Beckhoff Automation. Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd., based in Matsudo City, also supports the team.

Foot Care and Robotics

Leonardo da Vinci is said to have called the human foot a "masterpiece of ergonomics and a work of art." Human walking and balance control involve complex integration of重心 (center of gravity) shifting, posture control, and sensory input from the soles. The theme of bipedal and uneven terrain movement is recognized as a high-difficulty area in modern robotics and is deeply linked to the understanding of human anatomical structures.

Support for UTokyo RoboTech

Kamiyama Ashikoshi Osteopathic Clinic (Representative: Kazutoshi Kamiyama, Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture) supports UTokyo RoboTech as a silver sponsor. From the perspective of "Foot Education" (Sokuiku), which emphasizes feet, posture, and walking, the clinic supports initiatives that connect "human understanding" with "future technology" through partnerships with educational institutions and student projects.

Competition Overview

Event Name: NHK Student Robot Contest 2026: ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest Japan Representative Selection

Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026 Doors open: 11:30 | Start: 12:30 | Expected end: 18:00 Venue: EBARA WAVE Arena Ota (Ota City General Gymnasium) Organizers: NHK, NHK Enterprises Theme: 'Kung Fu Quest'

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event