The Science Museum of Valencia will once again be filled with robots, students, and technological projects for the 14th edition of the Robot Challenge , an event that has established itself as one of the most prominent educational robotics gatherings in the Valencian Community. Throughout the morning of May 8th, visitors will be able to watch hundreds of young people putting their creations to the test.
In this new edition, 229 robots designed, built, and programmed by students from different schools will participate, competing in four different categories. The event, which is free and open to the public, is designed for families as well as those who want to learn firsthand about robotics and programming in the classroom.
A school robotics competition with more than 1.000 students
The Robot Challenge is co-organized by the Science Museum and the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) , and has the collaboration of entities linked to the technology ecosystem such as Startup Valencia, Omron, and Power Electronics . The involvement of the university and the business sector lends the event a certain weight, moving it beyond a mere one-off exhibition and transforming it into a true talent platform.
The competition will take place between 10:00 AM and 13:30 PM in various spaces throughout the museum, primarily in the Arquerías Hall and the Santiago Grisolía Auditorium , where the different rounds of the events will be held. The organizers anticipate the participation of over 1.000 students , who will arrive accompanied by teachers and families to closely follow the progress of their robots.
All the robots competing have been designed and programmed by the students themselves , who have had to work on aspects such as mechanical design, electronics, the use of sensors, and programming logic to ensure their creations respond correctly to the various challenges. Beyond the final result, the aim is to reinforce practical learning and teamwork in problem-solving.
Access to the Robot Challenge is completely free , so anyone who visits the Science Museum during competition hours can enter the designated areas and watch the events live. This makes the event an ideal opportunity for those who want to explore educational robotics without needing any prior knowledge.
Over the years, the competition has established itself as a leading event in educational robotics in the Valencian Community , and for many schools it has become a fixture on the calendar. The combination of learning, friendly competition, and a festive atmosphere makes the experience especially appealing to participating students.
Four ways to test robots
The Robot Challenge competition is structured into four main categories , designed to test different technical and creative skills. Each category presents a different approach to robotics, from controlled combat to interaction with music and choreography.
In the Lego Sumo category , teams must design, build, and program an autonomous robot using only Lego bricks . These robots are typically equipped with sensors that allow them to detect the edge of the fighting area and the presence of an opponent. The challenge is to ensure the robot can stay within the ring and push its opponent out.
The Free Sumo modality maintains the same basic dynamics of fighting on the mat, but with one important difference: all kinds of materials can be used to build the robot, except Lego pieces . This opens the door to more varied and experimental designs, in which each team chooses the combination of components, chassis, and traction systems that it considers most suitable.
The Express Delivery Challenge presents a challenge focused on logistics and precision. In this test, robots must place as many black cans as possible in a designated area within a limited time, usually two minutes. This tests navigation capabilities, object detection, and movement efficiency—key aspects in many real-world robotic systems.
Finally, the Robot Dance category focuses on creativity and synchronization with the music . Teams prepare choreographies in which their robots move to the rhythm of a chosen musical track, combining turns, movements, and light or sound effects. The jury evaluates the originality of the proposal, the coordination of the movements, and the overall artistic performance.
The UPV Invents Fair: science and technology for all audiences
Alongside the Robot Challenge trials, the Polytechnic University of Valencia is promoting the second edition of the UPV Invention Fair , which will take place throughout the day on the Arbotantes promenade in the Umbracle. This space will serve as a showcase to bring university research and innovation closer to the public in a practical and accessible way.
The fair will feature 34 stands dedicated to research and innovation projects , where UPV researchers and students will explain firsthand what they are working on. In addition, 17 educational workshops have been scheduled for different age groups, so that both children and adults can experience technology firsthand.
These stands will showcase proposals related to robotics , artificial intelligence, space and sustainable cities , as well as initiatives linked to sustainable agriculture, biomedical engineering, telecommunications, and audiovisual production. The aim is to demonstrate real-world applications of science and engineering developed at the university.
The Invention Fair will include live demonstrations and hands-on activities , so that the public can not only see the projects but also interact with them, ask questions, and better understand how theoretical concepts are translated into concrete solutions. This direct interaction is often key to sparking scientific interest among young people.
Being open to all audiences , the fair becomes a perfect complement for those who come to the Museu de les Ciències to follow the Robot Challenge, since in the same day and in the same environment you can enjoy school robotics competitions and at the same time learn about the research being developed in university laboratories.
The combined competition and fair reinforce the position of the Science Museum and the UPV as leading centers for science and technology outreach in Valencia. The blend of competitive activities, educational initiatives, and direct public participation makes May 8th a key event for anyone interested in science, engineering, and innovation applied to education.