NHK Student Robot Contest 2026 to be held on June 14; UTokyo RoboTech challenges 'Kung Fu Quest'
The 'NHK Student Robot Contest 2026' will be held at EBARA WAVE Arena Ota on June 14, 2026. Student teams from across Japan will compete under the theme 'Kung Fu Quest,' with the winner advancing to the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest in Hong Kong this August.
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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'
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'
FAQ
Is the NHK Student Robot Contest 2026 open to the public?
Details regarding attendance are provided on the official website.
What happens to the winner of the student contest?
The winner advances as the Japan representative to the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest held in Hong Kong in August.
What are the technical features of the robot competition?
It requires the fusion of mechanical design, electronic control, programming, and strategy to master complex movements like bipedal walking.