Robotex International, the 24th international robotics event, took place in Tallinn’s Unibet Arena from 6 to 7 December. Competitors, pupils, students, families and other robotics enthusiasts came together to build robots, compete and learn about the latest advances in technology. This year’s festival featured 15 competitions and attracted 890 teams from 35 countries: India, China, Republic of Korea, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Egypt, Italy, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, USA, Estonia and more. Greece, Cyprus, Turkey and South Korea were represented with the largest number of competitors, over 150. The team with the most medals was Team ItLug from Italy, which won first place in several competitions.

The youngest participants had the chance to present their work on the theme “How to get to the moon?” in the Roboliiga competition.  This year, nearly 800 children participated with 184 teams. In addition to Estonia, there were robotics enthusiasts from Egypt, Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and China.

The Robotex EXPO area this year showcased engineering solutions, products and services from a wide range of robotics and technology companies. This year, the theme of Robotex was space technologies.  EUSPA, the European Space Academy, introduced visitors to the learning opportunities available in the European space sector and presented the Cassini Hackathon they have created. Stoneridge Electronics brought some exciting technology solutions to the event, while Schbot had an exciting display of robotic vacuum cleaners and window cleaning robots. In addition, there were a range of student projects on display, such as the Student Satellite and the Kuupkulgur with models, simulations and a display on space technology. RoboMiku presented the company’s activities and products, and offered the opportunity to buy different robots. 3DKoda presented 3D printing technologies and techniques. On the entertainment side, all those interested will have the chance to try their hand at drifting with model cars, as CuFa RC Drift and the Leisure Centre were once again present with their large model track. The 3K Group set up a Wi-fi solution for the whole event and showed the whole world of online services in its own box. Solaride was also present with its solar-powered wonder car. The EAS Space Office presented what’s happening on the cutting edge of space technology in Estonia.

In addition, Robotex gave the opportunity to meet all the universities and colleges offering engineering courses. TalTech, the University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Technology, the Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tallinn Industrial Education Centre and code/Jõhvi were present.  The Estonian Research Council presented the activities of Inseneeriapuu and miks.ee.
The Robotex workshops were made possible thanks to TalTech, the University of Tartu, the Estonian Aviation Academy, the Estonian University of Life Sciences, the Tallinn Polytechnic, the Tallinn Lasnamäe Mechanical Engineering School, the Ida-Virumaa Vocational Education Centre, the TTÜ Robotics Club, Solaris, Rakett69 Research Studios, Digipurg and the Tallinn Career Centre.

More than 700 people participated in Robotex workshops over the two days. Particularly popular were the various soldering and schematic assembly workshops, as well as workshops on drones, building robots and exploring the mysterious world of DNA.

This year, Robotex was supported and partnered by EUSPA, TalTech, University of Tartu, kood/Jõhvi, Starship, Insero, SK ID Solution, Stoneridge, funTIME, 3K Group, Saku Läte, Papiir, Rocca Al Mare Centre, Robomiku, CTF TECH, Beebad, Teval, Schbot, Balsnack, CUFA, Brain Games, Teval Electronics, City of Tallinn and others. Special thanks to those who donated the prizes: Teval Electronics, Schbot, EUSPA, Robomiku, TalTech etc.

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