Robocon (short for Robotic Contest) is organised by Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), a collection of over 20 countries of Asia Pacific Region. NHK, Japan had already been organising such contests at national level and also became the host of the first ABU Robocon in 2002. Since then, every year one of the member broadcasters hosts this international event.
The broadcasters of each participant country are responsible for conduct of their national contests to select the team which will represent their country in the International Contest. Teams from engineering and technological colleges are eligible for participation. Participating Teams are expected to design and fabricate their own robots and organize their teams including an Instructor, Team Leader, Manual Robot Operator and an Automatic Robot Operator.
Doordarshan, the national public service broadcaster organises National Robocon event every year and the winning team gets an opportunity to represent India at the international competition. First Robocon contest was held in 2002, in which only four teams from three colleges had participated at IIT Kanpur. Going from strength to strength, this number has reached 66 in Indian National Robocon 2012 and 107 in 2018 held at the Boxing Arena of Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune.
Mumbai Kendra of Doordarshan organised National Robocon from 2005 to 2018. The initiative was taken by Mr Mukesh Sharma, the Director of Doordarshan Kendra Mumbai.
Every year finals of Robocon India are held on First Saturday of March. The best engineering institutes across the country compete with each other for the honour of representing Indian National team at the International version of the competition for three gruelling days.
Elimination rounds are held on days preceding the First Saturday of March. This routine schedule been fixed in India through mutual consultations of participating colleges and Doordarshan of India. International Contests are held in August every year when the national contests of all the countries have been completed and their representatives selected. The host country has the privilege of fielding two teams. India hosted its first international contest in August 2008 in the MIT Sports grounds, Pune. In 2014 again, India hosted the international contest on August 24. For the last four years the National Robotics Championship has been organized in the famous Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mahalunge, Balewadi, Pune.
Winner : GTU(Gujarat Technological University) Robotics clubCambodia is ready to host ABU Robocon 2023.The Ministry of Information of Cambodia will officially become the host of the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest (ABU Robocon) to be held in August 2023 with the participation of some 20 countries.
| Match | Team 1 | Team 2 | Score (Team 1) | Score (Team 2) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LD College of Engineering | Government College of Engineering and Research Avasari Khurd | 220 | 30 | |
| 2 | Gujarat Technological University | Parul Institute of Technology | 220 | 20 | |
| 3 | MIT World Peace University | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | 150 | 0 | |
| 4 | Parul Institute of Technology | UV.PATEL College of Engineering | 110 | 0 | |
| 5 | Government College of Engineering and Research Avasari Khurd | JSPM Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering and Research | 120 | 0 | |
| 6 | Institute of Technology, Nirma University | Padmabhooshan Vasantdada Patil Institute | 120 | 70 | |
| 7 | COEP | MIT World Peace University | 100 | 120 | |
| 8 | BRACT Vishwakarma Institute of Technology | Institute of Technology, Nirma University | 100 | 120 |
Cambodia will host the ABU Robocon, a historical event in 2023 this year.Cambodia is planning a game of ‘Robots sprinkle flowers on Angkor Wat Temple’ or ‘Robots toss rings at a pole’, the combination of Cambodia’s blessing dance and the popular game of coin toss.[2]
Robocon India
| QF1 | MIT World Peace University, Pune | MTT | ||||
| QF2 | Government College of Engineering and Research Avasari Khurd, Pune | ABHEDYA | ||||
| QF3 | Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering | Automatons | ||||
| QF4 | Institute of Technology,Nirma University | Nirma Robocon | [4] | |||
| QF5 | Parul Institute of Technology, Parul University | TEAM PU ROBOCON | - | QF6 | Pune Institute of Computer Technology | PICT Robotics |
| QF7 | KJ Somaiya College of Engineering | KJSCE Robocon | ||||
| QF8 | BRACT's Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune | VIT PUNE |
DD-ROBOCON 2022 Awards:
fusion Design Awards:
Special Awards:
Other Awards:
With the 20th anniversary of the ABU ROBOCON the theme challenges teams to play the ancient game by using the robots equipped with the modern technology. The game will be between two teams having two robots each.
•Winner: Nirma University (ITNU)
Winner: MIT World Peace University, Pune (MTT)
The National ABU Robocon 2019 was held in the Lecture Hall Complex of IIT Delhi. Final match was played between L. D. Engineering College, Ahmedabad and Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad on 16 June 2019. L. D. Engineering College, Ahmedabad won the National level Robocon 2019 contest.[7] [8] Nirma University was first runners up and Gujarat Technological University was second runners up. International contest of ABU Robocon 2019 is going to be held at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The theme is "Sharing the knowledge". It is related to the Urtuu system of Mongolian tradition. The winning team will be represent India at Mongolia for International Robocon contest.
The host of Robocon 2019 was IIT Delhi and the format of game is also changed.[9] The format of Robocon 2019 consists of three stages. Teams from across the nation opposed theis new format,[10] This new format is not allowing all teams to took part in Robocon 2019, only the qualifying teams after stage 1 and 2 are allowed to took part.
The Robocon event has stopped after 2019 In first stages the evolution is based on the report and Cad Model submitted. Total Marks 100.
Total 86 teams participated in Stage one, out of 86 teams 54 teams were qualified for stage 2.[11]
In second stage evolution is based on the video of actual robots performing different task as per rule-book of ABU Robocon 2019. Total Marks 100.
From 54 teams 26 teams were qualified for the actual competition held at IIT Delhi.[12]
The third stage is the actual competition held at Lecture Hall Complex of IIT Delhi on 16 June 2019. Eight teams were finalized for the quarterfinals based on their points in league matches.
| QF1 | Institute of Technology, Nirma Univ., Ahmedabad | ITNU | |
| QF2 | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | IITR | |
| QF3 | L D College of Engineering Ahmedabad | LDCE | |
| QF4 | Gujarat Technological Univ, Ahmedabad | GTU | |
| QF5 | KJ Somaiya College of Engineering, Mumbai | KJSCE | |
| QF6 | Vadodara Institute of Engineering. Vadodara | VIER | |
| QF7 | Government College of Engineering and Research, Avasari (Pune) | GCOEARA | |
| QF8 | Government College of Engineering, Aurangabad | GECA |
The National ABU Robocon 2018 was held in the Badminton Hall of the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune on the 1–3 March 2018. The theme for Robocon 2018 declared as ném còn (throwing shuttlecock). The goal of the game is to throw the shuttlecocks through the ring at height. In Vietnamese culture, the game is about celebration and making friendship.Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad won the National ABU Robocon 2018 Contest. MIT Tech Team from Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Pune, was the first runner-up and K J Somaiya Institute of Engineering and Information Technology, Mumbai, was the second runner up. L D Engineering College, Ahmedabad won the best idea award. IIT Roorkee won the best innovative design award. Neotech Institute of Technology, Vadodara Won Rookie award.[16]
The National ABU Robocon 2017 took place in the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Krida Sankul, Pune on 2–4 March 2017. The contest theme has been declared as "Asobi : The Landing Disc”. College of Engineering, Pune won the National ABU Robocon 2017 Contest. Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Pune, was the first runner-up.[17]
The National ABU Robocon 2016 took place in the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati Krida Sankul, Pune on 3–5 March 2016. The theme for Robocon 2016 has been declared as 'Chai-Yo : Clean Energy Recharging the World'. Vadodara Institute of Engineering, Vadodara won the National ABU Robocon 2016 Contest.[17] College of Engineering, Pune, was the first runner-up.
The National ABU Robocon 2015 took place in the Badminton Hall of the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune on 7 March 2015. The theme for Robocon 2015 has been declared by Televisi Republik Indonesia (TVRI) as "Robomintion: Badminton Robo-Game".[18] Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad won the National ABU Robocon 2015 Contest and were the first runners-up. Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology (MJCET) stood third in the country and was also awarded the ‘Best Design and Aesthetics’ robot at the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union Robotics Contest (ABU Robocon) 2015 held at Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Pune. U.V.Patel College of Engineering, Mehsana, Gujarat won the Best IDEA Award. Additionally, Team Rudra from Marathwada Mitra Mandal's College of Engineering, just in its first year of competition won the "Best Rookie Award".
The National ABU Robocon 2014 was held in the Badminton Hall of the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune on the 6, 7 & 8 March 2014. The theme for Robocon 2014 declared by MITAOE was "A SALUTE TO PARENTHOOD". Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad won the National Contest while Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI), Mumbai were the First Runner-up. Both these Institutes got the chance to represent India in the International Contest. MIT Robocon Tech Team representing Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Pune were the Second Runner-up.[19] [20] [21]
The International ABU Robocon 2014 was held in India. Lạc Hồng University, Vietnam won the International ABU Robocon 2014 held at Balewadi, Pune.[22]
The National ABU Robocon 2013 was held in the Badminton Hall of the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune. MIT Tech Team from Maharashtra Institute of Technology won the contest and represented India in the international contest.
The International ABU Robocon 2013 was held in Danang, Vietnam. The Theme for Robocon 2013 declared by VTV was "The Green Planet".The International ABU Robocon 2013 was won by Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Japan.
The National ABU Robocon 2012 was held in the Boxing Arena of The Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune. MIT Tech Team from Maharashtra Institute of Technology won the contest and represented India in the international contest and L.D College of Engineering won the best innovative design award.
The theme for Robocon 2012 declared by Hong Kong, "Peng On Dai Gat".It was won by University of Electronic Science and Technology of China.
The Theme for Robocon 2011 declared by Thailand was Krathong, Lighting Happiness with Friendship. It was won by Institute of Technology, Nirma University and this institute got a chance to represent India at International Robocon 2011.The winner was Dhurakij Pundit University coming from Thailand.
The theme for Robocon 2010 declared by Egypt was Robo-Pharaohs Build Pyramids. It was won by MIT Robocon Tech Team from MIT Pune.[23]
Theme of Kago, the traditional Japanese palanquin, carried by human beings replaced by robots.It was won by IIT Madras.
The Theme for Robocon 2008 declared by India was Govinda, a traditional Indian Deity who used to play earthly games by capturing butter/cheese from heads of Gopis.It was won by Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad. Runner-up was MIT Robocon Tech Team from MIT Pune. Both team got to represent India in ABU Robocon as host country gets an opportunity to be represented by two teams.[24]
It was won by IIT, Delhi.
Total 14 teams participated in the contest held on 24–25 June 2005 at MIT, Pune. The theme was "Climb The Great Wall And Light The Holy Fire".
It was won by IIT Bombay.[25]
Total 12 teams participated in the contest held on 26–27 June 2004 at Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad. The theme was "Reunion of Separated Lovers, ‘Gyeonu and Jingnyeo".
It was won by VESIT, Mumbai, while L. D. college of Engineering, Ahmedabad was runner-up.[26]
Most Aesthetically Built Robot : Vivekanand Education Society's Institute Of Technology, Mumbai
Most Functional Robot : L. D. college of Engineering, Ahmedabad
Most Innovative Design : Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad
Consolation Prize for Simplest Design : U. V. Patel College of Engineering, Mehsana
Total seven teams from five different universities participated in the contest held on 13–14 July 2003 at Nirma Institute, Ahmedabad. The theme was “Takraw Space Conqueror”.
It was won by Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad.[27]
Four teams from three different universities participated in the contest held at IIT Kanpur on July 20–21, 2002. The theme was “Reach for the top of Mt. Fuji” and the participating teams were VESIT, Mumbai; IIT Kanpur and Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad.
It was won by Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad.
| Year | Host city | Host Broadcaster | Theme | Grand Prix | National Winner[28] [29] | Indian Contest Co Organised by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 |  Tokyo, Japan | NHK | Reach for the Top of Mount Fuji | Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology |  Institute of Technology, Nirma University | IIT Kanpur |
| 2003 |  Bangkok, Thailand | MCOT | Takraw Space Conqueror | Sawangdandin Industrial and Community Education College | Institute of Technology, Nirma University | Nirma University, Ahmedabad |
| 2004 |  Seoul, South Korea | KBS | Reunion of Separated Lovers, Gyeonu & Jingnyeo | Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology | VESIT, Mumbai | Nirma University, Ahmedabad |
| 2005 |  Beijing, China | CCTV | Climb on the Great Wall Light the Holy Fire | University of Tokyo | IIT Bombay | MIT, Kothrud Pune |
| 2006 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | RTM | Building the World's Tallest Twin Tower | Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology | Institute of Technology, Nirma University | MIT, Kothrud Pune |
| 2007 | Hanoi, Vietnam | VTV | Halong Bay Discovery | Xi'an Jiaotong University | IIT, Delhi | MIT, Kothrud Pune |
| 2008 | Pune, India | Doordarshan | Govinda | Xi'an Jiaotong University | Institute of Technology, Nirma University | MIT, Kothrud Pune |
| 2009 | Tokyo, Japan | NHK | Travel Together for the Victory Drums | Harbin Institute of Technology | IIT Madras | MITSOT, Pune & MITAOE |
| 2010 |  Cairo, Egypt | ERTU | Robo-Pharaohs built pyramids | University of Electronic Science and Technology of China | MIT Robocon Tech Team | MITAOE |
| 2011 | Bangkok, Thailand | MCOT | Loy Krathong, Lightning Happiness with friendship | Dhurakij Pundit University | Institute of Technology, Nirma University | MITAOE |
| 2012 |  Hong Kong | RTHK | Peng On Dai Gat (In pursuit of peace and prosperity) | University of Electronic Science and Technology of China | MIT Robocon Tech Team[30] | MITAOE |
| 2013 | Đà Nẵng, Vietnam | VTV | The Green Planet | Kanazawa Institute of Technology | MIT Robocon Tech Team | MITAOE |
| 2014 | Pune, India | Doordarshan | A Salute for Parenthood | Institute of Technology, Nirma University | MITAOE | |
| 2015 |  Yogyakarta, Indonesia | Indonesia | Badminton | Hung Yen University of Technology and Education | Institute of Technology, Nirma University | MITAOE |
| 2016 | Bangkok, Thailand | Modernine TV/MCO | Clean Energy Recharging the World | Universiti Teknologi Malaysia | Vadodara Institute of Engineering, Kotambi Vadodara | MITAOE |
| 2017 | Tokyo, Japan | NHK | The Landing Disc[31] | Lac Hong University | College of Engineering, Pune | MITAOE |
| 2018 | Ninh Bình, Vietnam | VTV | The Flying Dragon | Lac Hong University | Institute of Technology, Nirma University | MITAOE |
| 2019 | Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia[32] | Mongolian National Broadcaster | Great Urtuu | The Chinese University of Hong Kong | L. D. College of Engineering Ahmedabad | IIT DELHI |
| 2020 | Suva, Fiji | ROBO RUGBY 7s | MIT pune | IIT dehli | ||