The ITU Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2026-2027 promotes AI and robotics education globally. Participants design, build, and program robots to solve real-world problems based on a selected global challenge. The challenge has Junior (born 2016-2012) and Senior (born 2011-2008) age divisions. Teams can compete in-person via national organizers or submit video results. Winners represent their country at the Grand Finale and attend the AI for Good Global Summit.
By ITU
The ITU Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2026-2027 is an initiative launched by the ITU to foster AI and robotics education among youth worldwide, ensuring inclusivity in the evolving robotics and AI landscape. The challenge is inspired annually by a global issue, where participants are tasked with developing robots that offer innovative and practical solutions to real-world problems. This educational competition is platform-agnostic, granting participants the freedom to design, build, and program their robots without relying on a mandatory kit, and allowing them to source hardware locally. This approach aims to democratize access to robotics and AI education, address the digital skills gap, and promote sustainable practices. Participants are encouraged to use recycled materials, reuse robots across different seasons, and develop environmentally efficient robotic solutions. By doing so, the challenge not only develops technical skills but also cultivates essential workplace and future-ready competencies such as teamwork, problem-solving, project management, critical thinking, and information literacy. Participants are divided into two age-based teams: Junior (for those born between 2016 and 2012) and Senior (for those born between 2011 and 2008). This division ensures that the challenges are age-appropriate, which helps to maximize engagement and learning for all participants. The competition offers an opportunity for young innovators to apply their creativity and technical skills to address significant global challenges. Teams can participate in the competition either in-person through a National Organizer in their respective country or region. If a physical event is not available, participants have the option to prepare individually and submit their results in a video format for evaluation by a panel of judges. Additionally, public and private organizations, including government institutions, are invited to apply to host local chapter events focused on health emergencies for the 2026-2027 edition.
Design, build, and program a robot to complete a mission based on a selected global challenge. For the 2026-2027 edition, the focus for local chapter events is health emergencies.
Open to innovative teams around the world.