Mekathlon Racer Robo Competition for School Students
₹1,50,000 Cash Prize Pool
Design, build, and race a remote-controlled robot on a challenging track. Open to Grades 3-12, this competition tests engineering, speed, and control.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹999
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 to 5
Duration
Competition includes zonal rounds followed by a Grand Finale.
Eligibility
Eligibility: Students from Grade 3 to 12. Categories: Developers (Grades 3-7) and Innovators (Grades 8-12). Team Size: 1 to 5 members. Location: Zonal rounds are held in select Indian cities including Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, and Bengaluru.
- Grade level
- Grade 3 to 12
- Age range
- 8 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students must be enrolled in Grades 3 through 12.
- Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of robotics concepts is beneficial but not mandatory.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹1,50,000 Prize Pool
A total cash prize pool of ₹1,50,000 will be distributed among the winning teams. Developers ₹ 30,000/- ₹ 20,000/- ₹ 10,000/- Innovators ₹ 35,000/- ₹ 25,000/- ₹ 15,000/-
Prizes
Trophy & Medals
Winning teams receive prestigious trophies and medals to recognize their achievement.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation
All participants receive a certificate, with special recognition for winners.
Recognition
National-level recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 1 Jun 2025
- Registration closed
- 31 Aug 2025
How to apply
- 1Register all team members on the official Mekathlon website.
- 2Select the 'Racer Robo' competition from the event list in your user dashboard.
- 3Form a team with 1 to 5 members.
- 4Choose the city where your team will participate in the zonal round.
Rules and guidelines
- Only self-made bots are allowed; ready-made kits are prohibited, though Lego bots are permitted.
- The robot must fit within a 30cm x 30cm x 40cm box and must not exceed 5kg in weight.
- The robot must be wirelessly controlled and capable of moving in all directions.
- A maximum of 5 minutes is allowed to complete the race track.
- If the robot goes out of the track, a time penalty will be applied.
- The robot should not be designed to cause damage to the track or other competitors.
- Decisions made by the judges are final and must be respected by all teams.
- Penalties will be applied if the robot goes off the track or requires a manual reset.
Technology requirements
- Access to robot building components (chassis, motors, wheels, microcontrollers).
- Wireless remote control transmitter and receiver.
- Basic tools for assembly and fabrication.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
The registration fee for Indian residents is ₹999 per team. For non-India residents, the fee is $50 per team.
Refund policy
Fee details are subject to the organizer's policy, typically non-refundable.
About this opportunity
The Mekathlon Racer Robo competition is a thrilling national event where students design, build, and race their own remote-controlled robots. The primary objective is to create a fast and agile robot capable of navigating a complex race track with various obstacles, putting participants' innovation and technical abilities to the test.
This competition is open to students from Grade 3 to Grade 12, divided into 'Developers' (Grades 3-7) and 'Innovators' (Grades 8-12) categories. It fosters hands-on experience in robotics, coding, and engineering, along with crucial skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving in a competitive atmosphere.
Rounds and format
The competition consists of zonal rounds held in various cities, followed by a Grand Finale in Bengaluru for the top qualifying teams. In the zonal rounds, teams compete to achieve the fastest time on the track. The top 6 teams from the zonals advance to the final stage.
How entries are judged
The primary criterion for winning is completing the race track in the shortest amount of time. Robots are also judged on their design, adherence to specifications (size, weight), and control. Penalties are applied for rule violations, such as going off-track.
Selection process
The top 6 teams with the fastest times from the zonal rounds, including any penalties, will be selected to participate in the Grand Finale.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
No specific Curriculum.
Frequently asked questions
How can students best prepare for the Racer Robo competition?
Effective preparation involves understanding the competition rules, practicing robot design and construction, and conducting multiple test runs on varied tracks. Focusing on speed, control, and durability of the robot is crucial for success.
What strategies can participants use to overcome technical challenges during the event?
Participants should develop a robust robot design, carry essential tools and spare parts, and practice quick troubleshooting. Team members should assign roles for problem-solving during the competition to address issues efficiently.
How does the competition foster teamwork and problem-solving skills?
The competition requires teams to collaborate on design, construction, and strategy, promoting effective communication and division of labor. Encountering and resolving unexpected issues during the race enhances critical thinking and adaptive problem-solving.
What are the key factors judges consider for successful robot performance?
Judges primarily evaluate the robot's ability to complete the race track in the shortest possible time. Adherence to robot specifications (size, weight), design innovation, and consistent control are also significant factors.
How can participants manage competitive pressure effectively?
Managing pressure involves thorough preparation, focusing on individual team performance rather than solely on opponents, and maintaining a positive team dynamic. Learning from each round and adapting strategies can also help alleviate stress.
What are the long-term benefits of participating in this robotics competition?
Participation offers valuable hands-on experience in STEM fields, develops critical skills like engineering design and programming, and provides a platform for national recognition. It can also inspire future academic and career paths in robotics and technology.
Share with other parents
Categories
Related opportunities
Mekathlon Robotics Innovation Challenge
by K12 Techno Services
A national-level robotics competition for students in Grades 3-12 to design, build, and present functional robots that solve real-world problems.
What your child could gain:
Avishkaar Robotics Microdegree
by Avishkaar
The Avishkaar Robotics Microdegree is an online program for children aged 8 and above, covering electronics, mechanics, and coding. Students design and build robots through interactive, project-based learning, earning STEM.org accredited certificates.
What your child could gain:
Techradiance Jr World Cup - Soccer Robotics Championship
by Harbour Edutech Pvt Ltd (Techradiance)
Design, program, and operate soccer robots in this national championship. Compete in qualifier and final rounds, showcase innovation, and win prizes and certificates.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app