The ABU Robocon 2026, jointly organised by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), drew 16 university teams from 15 countries and regions to compete in the Asia-Pacific region’s largest university-level robotics contest.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Sunday, Financial Secretary Paul Chan framed the competition as more than a race for the fastest or steadiest machine.
“Every attempt you make today… is part of how this technology finds its way forward,” he said.
“That is what makes Robocon so valuable. It is not really about whose robot is fastest or steadiest. It is about the leap from thinking to doing.”
Chan highlighted the challenges that define real-world engineering – tight deadlines, budget constraints, equipment failures on the eve of competition, and team disagreements.
“No textbooks can really teach you that. This will also count for something later,” he said.
Turning to the broader trajectory of AI, Chan observed that its next frontier lies in embodiment.
“Once an algorithm can see, hear and understand, it still needs a body – something to move with, reach with, and grip with. That body is the robot.”
Beyond the arena, Chan encouraged the competitors to keep imagining, keep getting their hands dirty and keep learning.
Also in attendance at the opening ceremony were Director of Broadcasting Angelina Kwan, HKSTP Chairman Cordelia Chung and ABU Secretary-General Ahmed Nadeem.