FAQ

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): International Robotics Olympiad

General Competition Questions

The International Robotics Olympiad is fully online.
There is no physical, on-site, or travel requirement at any stage.

Students:

  1. Build their robot based on the theme

  2. Record a video explaining the build and working mechanism

  3. Submit the video online through our website before the deadline

Theme: “Robots for a Better World”

Students are expected to design robots that solve real-world problems related to:

  • Environment

  • Safety

  • Health

  • Smart living

  • Everyday practical challenges

Students from Grade 3 to Grade 12 can participate.

Categories:

  • Beginner: Grade 3–5

  • Intermediate: Grade 6–8

  • Advance: Grade 9–12

Students participate in teams of 2 to 8 members.

A school can register multiple teams.
Each student must be registered individually.

No. There is no requirement to buy any specific kit.

Students can use:

  • LEGO, Spike Prime, VEX, Arduino, or any robotics kit already available

  • Low-cost materials

  • Self-designed models

IRO evaluates ideas, problem-solving, and application of robotics, not expensive equipment.

No.

Robots can be:

  • Manually controlled

  • Semi-autonomous

  • Fully autonomous

All formats are acceptable as long as the working and logic are clearly demonstrated.

Projects are evaluated on:

  • Clear identification of a real-world problem

  • Practical usefulness of the robot

  • Logical design and robotics application

  • Innovation and clarity of explanation

  • Demonstration of the working mechanism

Students must submit:

  • A video showing the building process

  • A demonstration of how the robot works

  • A clear explanation of the idea and its real-life use

The video is uploaded online through the IRO website.

Last Date: 16 FEBRUARY 2026

Students can work and record their project anytime before this date.

US$20 per student Even if participating in a team, each participant is registered individually.

Yes.

Schools can use the Bulk Registration Excel Sheet where they:

  • Enter student details

  • Upload project videos to Google Drive

  • Share the sheet and Drive link with us via email

This makes coordination much easier for schools.

  • “The Visionary” Grand Prize for the most impactful project

  • Gold, Silver, Bronze in each category

  • Participation certificate for all students

  • No.

    Since the Olympiad is fully online, schools can work at their convenience. There are no live sessions or time-bound presentations.

  • There is no “best” type of robot.

    Robots for:

    • Agriculture

    • Cleaning

    • Fire safety

    • Monitoring weather

    • Public safety

    • Environmental care

    • Smart homes

    …are all equally valuable if they solve a real problem effectively.

  • Absolutely.

    Simple, low-cost, creative robots are often highly impressive when they clearly solve a real problem.

    IRO values thinking and application, not expensive components.

  • IRO is organized by GEMA, headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, working with schools across 135+ countries.

Visit: www.roboticsolympiad.com

Yes.
Schools may request a special Zoom session for guidance and clarification.

Yes.

Students may participate through a robotics club. In such cases, the club address can be provided for all official communication and shipment of certificates, medals, and awards.

For each student, include:

  • Full Name

  • Grade

  • Project Title / Team Name

  • Contact details

  • Google Drive link of the project video

The same video link can be used for all members of a team.

This sheet replaces the need for individual registrations.

A maximum of two mentors/instructors from a school or robotics club can be listed in the bulk sheet.

There is no participation fee for teachers or mentors.
The fee applies only to students.

Yes.

It is perfectly acceptable if one team member explains and demonstrates the project on behalf of the entire team.

English is preferred for clarity in judging.

Yes. A recommended flow is:

  1. Identify the real-world problem

  2. Design the solution

  3. Build the robot

  4. Test the working

  5. Record the explanation and demonstration

  6. Upload the video to Google Drive

  7. Fill the bulk sheet or register online

  8. Submit before the deadline

After sending the completed Bulk Registration Sheet to contact@roboticsolympiad.com, we issue a combined payment link so the school can pay for all students in one transaction.

No.

Simple, low-cost, well-thought-out robots that clearly solve a real problem are often highly effective. Judging is based on logic, usefulness, and application, not costly components.

No.

Only the robot demonstration and explanation are important. One member may present.

Yes.

Students from different grades may work together on a single project, especially if they belong to the same robotics club or school team.

The team must register in the category of the highest grade present in the group.

Example:
If Grade 7 and Grade 11 students are in one team, they must register in the Advance Category (Grade 9–12).

Yes.

There is no on-site round, no travel, and no live presentation.
Students only need to submit their project video online before the deadline.

Individual registrations close on 16 FEBRUARY 2026.

Schools sending bulk entries through the Bulk Registration Sheet may submit until 28 February 2026.

This flexibility is provided to help schools coordinate multiple students.

WhatsApp calling is not supported in the UAE.

Schools may:

Send WhatsApp messages or voice notes

Email queries to contact@roboticsolympiads.com

Yes.

After sending the completed Bulk Registration Sheet to contact@roboticsolympiads.com
, we issue a combined payment link so the school can complete the payment for all students in one transaction.

No.

There is no fee for teachers or mentors.
The participation fee applies only to students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): International Robotics Olympiad

General Competition Questions

Q1: What is the International Robotics Olympiad?

A: The International Robotics Olympiad is a prestigious online competition that challenges students from grades 3-12 to design, build, and program robots that address the theme "Robots for a Better World." It's a platform for young innovators to showcase their creativity, technical skills, and passion for positive change.

Q2: Who can participate?

A: The competition is open to all students currently in grades 3 through 12 from anywhere in the world. Participants can enter as individuals or in teams (we recommend a maximum of 4 students per team).

Q3: What is the competition timeline?

A: Registration & Submission Deadline: 16 FEBRUARY 2026

Q4: Is there a registration fee?

A: Yes, there is a nominal fee of $20 to help cover administrative costs.

Q5: Who can be a Team Mentor?

A: A mentor can be a teacher, parent, or school club supervisor. Their role is to guide and facilitate, but the project idea, build, and code must be the original work of the students.

Q6: How do we register for the competition?

A: Registration is completed online through our official website. Each participant (or team leader) must fill out the registration form, upload team details, and complete the payment to confirm entry.

Q7: Can students from different schools or countries form one team?

A: Yes! Cross-school and international teams are allowed, as long as all members meet the grade eligibility and communicate effectively during the project.

Q8: Can a student join more than one team?

A: No. Each participant can register in only one team to ensure fairness and focused contribution.

Project & Theme Questions

Q9: What does the theme "Robots for a Better World" mean?

A: We want you to think about how robots can solve real-world problems. Your project should identify a specific issue in areas like the environment, healthcare, education, community safety, or accessibility, and demonstrate how your robot provides a creative solution.

Q10: Are there any restrictions on the robotics kits or components we can use?

A: No! We celebrate diversity and innovation. You can use any platform you are comfortable with—whether it's a commercial robotics kit (like LEGO, VEX, Arduino), open-source components, or a combination of both. You are judged on your idea and execution, not the brand of your kit.

Q11: What kind of projects are you looking for?

A: We are looking for projects that are creative, functional, and clearly address the theme. A great project doesn't have to be complex; it needs to be well-thought-out and clearly demonstrated. Check out our [Grade-wise Guidelines] for project idea inspiration.

Q12: Can we submit a project we've worked on for school or another program?

A: Yes, you may submit a pre-existing project, provided it was completed within the last academic year and you have made significant new improvements or adaptations to fit the "Robots for a Better World" theme.

Video Submission Guidelines

Q13: How long should the video be?

A: Your video must be a maximum of 5 minutes. Judges will not watch beyond the 5-minute mark, so please practice and edit to ensure you cover all key points concisely.

Q14: What is the maximum file size for the video?

A: The video file must not exceed 1GB.

Q15: What format should the video be in?

A: Please export and submit your video as an .mp4 file, filmed in landscape (horizontal) mode. A resolution of 1920x1080 is preferred for clarity.

Q16: Do we need professional filming equipment or editing software?

A: Absolutely not! You can use a smartphone, tablet, or webcam. Judges are scoring your project, not your video production quality. Clear audio and a stable shot of your robot demonstration are far more important than fancy edits.

Q17: What must we include in the video?

A: Your video should: Introduce you/your team and your project. Explain the problem you are solving. Show your robot and explain how it works. Include a clear, uncut demonstration of your robot performing its key task. (Optional but encouraged) Mention a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.

Q18: Can all team members appear in the video if we can't meet in person?

A: Yes! You can create a collaborative video by merging clips from different team members using free editing software. See our [Video Guidelines] for simple editing tips.

Q19: Can we include background music or narration in our video?

A: Yes, as long as it doesn’t distract from your explanation or demonstration. Avoid copyrighted music unless you have permission or use royalty-free tracks.

Judging & Awards

Q20: How will projects be judged?

A: Projects are judged based on a rubric that evaluates: Relevance to Theme & Impact: How well your project addresses a "Better World" problem. Creativity & Originality: The uniqueness of your idea and approach. Technical Execution & Engineering: The design, build quality, and programming of your robot. Presentation & Communication: The clarity and effectiveness of your video. A: Projects are judged based on a rubric that evaluates: Relevance to Theme & Impact: How well your project addresses a "Better World" problem. Creativity & Originality: The uniqueness of your idea and approach. Technical Execution & Engineering: The design, build quality, and programming of your robot. Presentation & Communication: The clarity and effectiveness of your video.

Q21: Will judging be different for different grade levels?

A: Yes. Judges will consider the age and experience of the participants. A grade 4 student will be evaluated on different expectations than a grade 11 student. The focus for younger students is on a clear idea and simple execution, while older students are expected to demonstrate more advanced technical skills and deeper research.

Q22: What awards can we win?

A: We offer a range of prestigious awards, including: Grand Prize & Category Champion Trophies (Gold, Silver, Bronze) Specialized Excellence Awards (e.g., The "Archimedes" Award for Engineering, The "Mandela" Award for Social Impact) Certificates of Excellence for all participants who meet the judging criteria. Teacher & School Recognition Trophies and Certificates.

Q23: When and how will winners be announced?

A: Winners will be announced on soon via email and published on our website. We will also host a virtual award ceremony to celebrate all winners.

Q24: Who do we contact if we have more questions?

A: For any queries not covered in these FAQs, please contact us at contact@roboticsolympiads.com. We are happy to help!
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