Robotics for Good Youth Challenge India
by I-HUB Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC), IIT Delhi
Represent India at UN AI for Good Summit
120 participants
The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge India is the national edition of the global Robotics for Good Youth Challenge, organized by the I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC) , technology innovation hub of IIT Delhi in collaboration with ITU.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 to 8
Duration
1 day for Final Presentation and Award
Eligibility
Open to school students aged 11-18 years (typically Grades 6-12) across India. Students can participate individually or in teams of 1-8 members. The competition will be held in two categories: junior (age 11 – 14) and senior (age 15 –18).
- Grade level
- Grade 6 to 12
- Age range
- 11 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Open to all school students in India aged 11 to 18.
- Prerequisites
- Basic understanding of robotics or a strong interest in learning.
- Ability to work in a team and collaborate effectively.
- Access to materials and tools for robot construction and programming.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Official ITU Certificate
Official ITU certificates will be provided to all finalist teams, recognizing their participation and achievement in this UN-based global challenge.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Winning or being a finalist in this UN-backed national competition, organized by IIT Delhi and ITU, provides a significant advantage for admissions to prestigious universities and colleges, both in India and internationally, demonstrating exceptional technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Career pathways
Participation provides a strong foundation for future careers in robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering, computer science, and research. It offers practical experience and networking opportunities with UN and industry experts, crucial for higher education and professional development in STEM fields.
Recognition
International Recognition & UN Summit
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 16 Jun 2025
- Registration closed
- 31 Jul 2025
- Competition
- 9 Oct 2025
- Results
- 9 Oct 2025
How to apply
- 1Visit the official IHFC website and complete the online registration form. Ensure all necessary details about your team, including members' ages and school information, are accurately provided.
- 2After successful registration, use the received credentials to log into your account on the IHFC portal.
- 3Click on the 'Apply' button and meticulously fill in all required details in the application form, including your project concept.
- 4Review all submitted information carefully before finalizing your application.
Rules and guidelines
- Robots must be entirely built and programmed by the team members.
- Robots can be built with any material and programmed with any desired platform.
- Robots must not pose a risk to people, competition facilities, or competition materials.
- Participants must bring their own autonomous robots to the event.
- Coaches/mentors are only allowed to observe and be in the public area during the competition.
- The robot must fit within a 54 x 30 cm rectangle at the initial position.
- The robot must be decorated around the given topic for homologation.
Technology requirements
- Access to computers, internet, and relevant software/hardware for robot development and documentation is essential.
About this opportunity
The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge India is the national edition of the global Robotics for Good Youth Challenge, a UN-based educational robotics championship. Organized by the I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics (IHFC), a technology innovation hub of IIT Delhi, in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
This biennial competition challenges participants to design, build, and program robots that offer practical solutions to advance the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a specific focus on disaster response.
The competition aims to foster inclusivity in learning robotics and coding, regardless of gender, socio-economic status, or academic ability, by encouraging the use of free-software and hardware robotics, allowing unrestricted assembly and programming of robots. It also promotes the use of recycled materials and environmentally friendly solutions.
The national event serves as a qualifying tournament for the Grand Finale at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva. Participants gain invaluable hands-on experience in robotics, artificial intelligence, problem-solving, teamwork, project management, critical thinking, and information retrieval.
The challenge emphasizes creating innovative robotic solutions for real-world problems like earthquake relief, seismic risk prediction, and post-disaster recovery, ultimately contributing to saving lives and enhancing emergency response capabilities. This is a unique opportunity for young Indian innovators to showcase their talent on a national and international stage.
Rounds and format
The competition consists of a Preliminary Round (Design Document and Video Submission) and a Final Event. The preliminary round involves submitting a design document (max 5 pages) detailing proposed mechanisms, calculations, and justifications, along with a 90-second video of the working robot. Selected teams from the preliminary round (60 teams: 30 junior, 30 senior) qualify for the final event. In the final event different rounds of matches will be there.
How entries are judged
The design document is evaluated based on a clear understanding of objectives, a description of proposed mechanisms, and relevant calculations/justifications. The video submission is evaluated based on the marking criteria provided. Robot decoration around the given theme is also considered for homologation. Overall evaluation focuses on the robot's ability to address the given challenge and contribute to SDGs.
Selection process
Teams are selected for the final event based on the evaluation of their design document and video submission in the preliminary round. Winners of the national event (one from junior and one from senior category) qualify for the Grand Finale in Geneva.
How to prepare
- Official Rulebook of the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge
- Design Document and Video Submission Template provided by IHFC
- Information on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Resources on robotics, AI, and coding for disaster management
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The competition focuses on designing, building, and programming autonomous robots to address specific topics, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Participants are expected to develop a comprehensive design document detailing their robot's mechanisms and justifications, along with a video demonstrating its functionality. The curriculum implicitly covers the practical application of STEM principles.
Frequently asked questions
How can participants effectively prepare for the technical challenges in robot design and programming?
Effective preparation involves a strong understanding of fundamental robotics and AI concepts, consistent practice with coding platforms, and iterative design-build-test cycles. Utilizing the provided rulebook and online resources for inspiration and technical guidance is highly recommended.
What strategies can teams employ to manage time effectively and ensure project completion within deadlines?
Teams should establish a clear project timeline, assign specific roles and responsibilities to each member, and conduct regular progress meetings. Breaking down the project into smaller, manageable tasks with individual deadlines helps in tracking progress and addressing bottlenecks promptly.
How do judges evaluate the innovative solutions presented by participants, especially concerning the Sustainable Development Goals?
Judges assess solutions based on their originality, technical feasibility, effectiveness in addressing the chosen SDG, and the clarity of the design document and video demonstration. The robot's ability to perform its mission and its potential for real-world impact are key evaluation criteria.
What are the key factors that contribute to a team's success in the final presentation and demonstration rounds?
Success in the final rounds hinges on a well-functioning robot, a clear and concise presentation of the project's objectives and methodology, and effective teamwork during the demonstration. The ability to articulate the robot's contribution to the SDGs is also crucial.
How can participants overcome performance anxiety and maintain focus during the intense competition rounds?
Participants can manage anxiety through thorough preparation, practicing their robot's performance multiple times, and focusing on teamwork. Maintaining a positive mindset and viewing challenges as learning opportunities can help sustain focus and resilience during the competition.
What kind of support is available for teams facing technical difficulties during the competition?
Teams can reach out to the IHFC support team via email or helpline number during working hours for technical assistance. Online forums and dedicated mentor sessions will also be available to address common issues and provide guidance.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
RoboCup Junior India - Rescue Line Challenge
by Indian RoboCup Junior Foundation
A national robotics challenge where student teams design and program an autonomous robot to navigate a simulated disaster course and rescue victims.
What your child could gain:
World Skill Challenge - DRONEX KIDS
by World Skill Challenge (WSC)
A beginner-level drone flying competition for students to master piloting skills and compete in aerial challenges for cash prizes and national recognition.
What your child could gain:
Aerogo Rubber Powered Glider Workshop
by AEROGO
Construct and test a rubber-powered glider while learning fundamental aeromodelling principles and gaining practical experience in aircraft design and construction. This hands-on workshop is ideal for young aviation enthusiasts.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app