World Robot Olympiad breaks records in Singapore

Source: World Robot Olympiad Association. Finalists at the World Robot Olympiad International final for 2025.

The World Robot Olympiad International (WRO) final for 2025 has begun in Singapore, hosting more than 3,300 young robotics enthusiasts from over 100 countries — the largest turnout in the competition’s 21-year history. The WRO began in Singapore in 2004.

This year’s theme, The Future of Robots, explores how robotics can help address global challenges and improve lives with solutions in areas such as sustainability, health, accessibility and more. Close to 600 teams will compete across four categories — RoboMission, RoboSports, Future Innovators, and Future Engineers. The global competition will culminate in a closing ceremony on 28 November 2025, when winners across all categories will be announced.

The 2025 season saw a 14% lift in official participants, increasing from 24,577 teams in 2024 to 27,920 teams worldwide in 2025. Overall growth reached 20% when including starter projects designed to make robotics and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education fun and accessible for beginners.

“Robotics education is about fostering the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers, so I am very pleased to see this growing traction,” said Claus Ditlev Christensen, Secretary General of the World Robot Olympiad Association.

“Part of this success comes from WRO’s entry-level robotics initiatives, such as RoboStarter. This year, we have given more than 14,000 students a friendly, flexible, and low-pressure introduction to robotics.”

Another initiative with significant potential is the free global learning platform WRO Learn, which connects and amplifies WRO’s many teaching efforts across its international network. 

“WRO brings together bright young minds from around the world and highlights how young people can use technology to make a difference,” said Ms Lynette Tan, CEO of Space Faculty, the national organiser for the WRO in Singapore and host for the WRO 2025 International Final. 

"Seeing the championship return to the birthplace of WRO marks a full-circle moment for us, and we are proud to host the International Finals. It cements Singapore’s position as a leading hub for innovation and STEM education, and inspires the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.” 

The World Robot Olympiad Association is a global non-profit that empowers over 100,000 young people across more than 100 countries through hands-on robotics challenges. The competition helps students develop creative problem-solving skills while fostering international collaboration and STEM leadership.