Hong Kong, 23 August 2026 – The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Robot Contest 2026 brought together 16 university teams from 15 countries and regions in Hong Kong for an exciting celebration of robotics, engineering, cultural heritage and international cooperation.

Jointly organised by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), ABU Robocon returned to Hong Kong for the first time since 2012. The competition attracted around 2,000 spectators, including more than 650 participants, supporters and media representatives.

The event was officially opened by Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Director of Broadcasting Angelina Kwan, HKSTP Chairman Cordelia Chung and ABU Secretary-General Ahmed Nadeem.

Inspired by Chinese martial arts, this year’s theme, “Kung Fu Quest,” challenged each team to operate two robots collaboratively to forge traditional weapons, collect martial arts manuals and engage in strategic duels. The competition combined precision, creativity, discipline and teamwork with advanced robotics, automation and artificial intelligence.

Participating teams represented the Chinese Mainland, Cambodia, Egypt, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Mongolia, Macao and Hong Kong. The teams competed for 18 awards, including the Champion, First Runner-up, Second Runner-up, and the ABU Robocon Award.

Following a series of intense and highly competitive rounds, the University of Hong Kong emerged as the ABU Robocon 2026 champion, with both Hong Kong university teams reaching the final.

The competition was broadcast live on RTHK TV31 and RTHK’s YouTube channel. ABU member broadcasters also carried or will broadcast the event to audiences worldwide, extending its reach to hundreds of millions of viewers.

A handover ceremony was held ahead of the award presentation, marking Indonesia as the host of the next ABU Robocon.

ABU Robocon continues to provide a unique regional platform where young engineers can test their abilities, exchange knowledge, build international friendships and demonstrate how technology can connect cultures and inspire the next generation.