The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union’s flagship robotics contest and the region’s largest competition of its kind for university students brought together 16 teams from 15 countries and regions, including representatives from the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Both local universities made it to the final, with the University of Hong Kong capturing the championship.
With the competition being held in the SAR again after 14 years, local supporters turned out in full force.
Family and friends of the contestants packed the stands, alongside tech professionals eager to witness the high-octane action firsthand.
“I work in a field somewhat related to science. I’ve heard about similar competitions at Science Park, but this is my first time watching in person. It’s really exciting and thrilling,” said one spectator.
“I support both local universities – they are outstanding and scored very highly. I was cheering excitedly when they competed.”
A former competitor who had taken part in the event a decade ago as a student at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) was also in the audience.
This time, he returned with his children to share the experience and encourage the next generation.
“I want my kids to soak up the atmosphere. Computing power is much higher now – there wasn’t that much you could do before,” he said.
“The chips are better now, so there’s more to see. Winning the championship would naturally be the best, but the most important thing about this project is that everyone enjoys the process.”
This year’s competition carried the theme “Kung Fu Quest”, drawing inspiration from the spirit of Chinese martial arts.
Each team deployed two robots that had to work in tandem to perform a series of symbolic tasks – forging traditional Chinese weapons, collecting martial arts manuals and engaging in strategic duels that demanded both precision and tactical thinking.
The result was a captivating fusion of martial arts philosophy and cutting-edge robotics and automation technology.