Khalifa University Hosts Successful 8th RoboCup Asia-Pacific, Showcasing Global Robotics Innovation

The 8th edition of RoboCup Asia-Pacific (RCAP) 2025 concluded successfully at Khalifa University of Science and Technology, with Russian teams securing 19 awards and South Korean teams winning 15 honors across various robotics competitions. The event featured over 160 teams and more than 700 participants, alongside nearly 2,000 researchers, industry professionals, students, and visitors from around the globe witnessing AI-driven autonomous robotics challenges.

The competition spanned eight leagues and 15 sub-leagues, including soccer and rescue categories, demonstrating the breadth of robotics applications being developed by young innovators. At the awards ceremony, winning teams across RoboCupJunior, CoSpace, Rescue, and Humanoid leagues received recognition, highlighting the growing global appeal of RoboCup Asia-Pacific and its role in advancing robotics education and development.

Khalifa University teams delivered strong performances, securing second and third places in the Humanoid 3-versus-3 and 4-versus-4 leagues, while two UAE teams earned distinctions across the Junior and CoSpace categories. These achievements reinforce the country's rising capabilities in robotics, AI, and autonomous systems, positioning the UAE as an emerging hub for technological innovation in the region.

Events such as RCAP 2025 organized in Abu Dhabi, alongside other major robotics and AI events, strengthen and nurture the country's robotics ecosystem. For Emirati students and researchers, this translates to hands-on exposure to cutting-edge robotics and AI, opportunities to compete and present research, and direct interaction with global experts. The competition also served as a collaborative platform where researchers, engineers, and students from around the world gathered to exchange ideas, test new technologies, and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.

RoboCup Asia Pacific 2025 was organized by Khalifa University with support from the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council as part of Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week 2025. The event received sponsorship from Mubadala as Strategic Partner, Etisalat e& as Gold Sponsor, and Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau as Supporter, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing robotics, AI, and sustainable innovation in the UAE. This collaborative approach between academic institutions, government bodies, and private sector partners demonstrates the comprehensive ecosystem being built to support technological advancement in the region.

The success of RCAP 2025 underscores Abu Dhabi's growing reputation as a leading hub for excellence in AI and robotics, while providing valuable opportunities for young innovators to develop their skills and compete on an international stage. The event's impact extends beyond the competition itself, contributing to the development of a robust robotics and AI ecosystem that will drive future innovation and economic diversification in the region.