About RoboCup Americas

RoboCup Americas runs the RoboCupJunior Americas SuperRegional: an international robotics competition for students aged 10 to 19, held in the Americas each year since 2025.

Who we are

The first edition brought 72 teams from eight countries to Mercersburg Academy, Pennsylvania, in April 2025. For the second, 64 teams from seven countries registered at Sheridan College in Brampton, Ontario, in October 2026: from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Panama and the United States.

Each country's regional committee runs its own RoboCupJunior events and chooses the teams it sends. The SuperRegional brings those teams together, and the RoboCup Federation, the nonprofit behind RoboCup, approves each edition.

Several hundred competitors, mentors and volunteers sitting and standing together on the blue floor of a field house, many with hands raised, RoboCup league banners behind them. — Everyone at the first SuperRegional, Mercersburg, April 2025.

What each regional committee does

Runs its country's RoboCupJunior events and open competitions
Chooses the teams that go to international events
Keeps RoboCup's standards for research and education
Promotes RoboCupJunior in its country

Find a country's representative A country without a committee

Why we start at ten

Between ten and fourteen, many students decide what they are good at. A study of 3,359 US students who went on to earn a college degree found that those who expected a science career at about age 13 had 3.4 times the odds of graduating in the physical sciences or engineering rather than outside science.

The world championship is for ages 14 to 19. Primary teams, aged 10 to 14 and playing under each league's Entry rules, compete at regional and SuperRegional events. The Americas SuperRegional, first held in 2025, gives them international competition in the Americas. At the first edition, 17 of the 72 teams were Primary.

Tai et al., Science, 2006

Two students lean over the wall of a green soccer field to set down their small round robots and an orange ball. — Practice on the soccer fields, Brampton, 22 October 2026.

Who is a RoboCupper

When the robot fails on the field, a RoboCupper picks it up, fixes it and puts it back. When the problem never goes away, they keep trying and help the team next to them keep going too.

A student rubs their eyes in front of a laptop while two teammates lean in over their shoulder to read the screen. — A team works through a problem between rounds, Brampton, 22 October 2026.

RoboCupper

RoboCupJunior Americas

Age: 10 to 19
From: Every region of the Americas
Builds: Their own robot and its code
During a match or a rescue run: Hands off. The robot decides
Works: In a team, with mentors and rivals from other countries
Defined by: Perseverance

What it does for students

Students from several teams crowd around a soccer field, some filming the match on their phones, with the rest of the competition hall behind them. — Teams from different countries around one soccer field, 23 October 2026.

A team in matching shirts holds a red FIESP SESI banner and its certificates, standing with organizers in front of the league banners and flags. — A team from Brazil with its award at the closing ceremony, 25 October 2026.

Most of 168 students surveyed at the 2012 world championship said RoboCupJunior made them enjoy science, technology, engineering or math more. They said they learned most about programming, teamwork, electronics and communication.
Eguchi, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 2016
A four-year study found that students of all ages and nationalities improve their teamwork and communication, as well as their knowledge of programming and engineering.
Sklar et al., AAAI, 2006
Former participants say what kept them in was the friendships, the community and the feeling of having made something work.
Kandlhofer et al., RiE, 2012
Each edition leaves something behind: admission is normally free for the public, local volunteers learn to referee and judge, and the competition fields are meant to stay in the host country for its own events.
The 2025 and 2026 editions

Help

Each way to help has one first step.

Host an edition
A university, school, foundation or agency in the Americas can host. See what it involves and how the first two hosts did it.
What hosting involves
Volunteer
Referees, judges and helpers make each edition run. Experienced referees and judges train new ones at the event.
Write to us: info at robocupamericas.org
Support the teams
Companies and foundations help with travel, equipment and the competition itself. We put you in touch with the next edition's organizers, or help you support a team directly.
Write to us: info at robocupamericas.org

The competition hall seen from above: five green soccer fields, team tables along the sides, and students moving between them. — The competition floor at Sheridan College, seen from the drone, 25 October 2026.

Thank you, Brampton

The second SuperRegional brought teams from seven countries to Brampton.

Thank you to every team from Canada, Brazil, the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Panama, and to the mentors, parents and chaperones who came with them. Thank you to Sheridan College for hosting us; to RoboCup Canada; to CNRS and the organizing committee; and to the referees, judges and volunteers who made the event possible.

Read “The second time”, a reflection on the second SuperRegional by its co-founder, Roberto Bonilla.

Several hundred competitors, mentors, volunteers and guests gathered in a college gym, the front row seated on chairs beside the Sheridan College bear mascot. — Everyone at the second SuperRegional, Brampton, October 2026.

Letters of recognition

Frank ScarpittiMayor of Markham, with the members of Markham City Council
“Thank you for your hard work in making this international event possible…”
Read the text
Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Members of Markham City Council extend Appreciation to RoboCup Americas Organizing Committee. RoboCup Americas 2026 Opening Ceremony.
In recognition of your dedication and leadership in bringing RoboCup Americas 2026 to life and creating a platform for innovation, learning, and international collaboration.
Through your collective efforts, you bring together students, researchers, and robotics enthusiasts to showcase their ingenuity and put their technical skills to the test. By coordinating a competition that connects robotics and artificial intelligence with real-world challenges, you help advance the field while inspiring young people to explore new possibilities in science and technology.
Thank you for your hard work in making this international event possible and for helping foster the next generation of innovators.
Patrick BrownMayor of Brampton
“I wish all participants a rewarding competition filled with discovery, new friendships and memorable achievements.”
Read the text
Dear organizers and participating teams,
On behalf of the City of Brampton and Members of Council, I am pleased to welcome everyone participating in RoboCup Americas 2026 at Sheridan College’s Davis Campus.
This event is an opportunity to celebrate the creativity, technical skill and teamwork of young people pursuing robotics and STEM education. Through the Soccer, Rescue and OnStage challenges, participants are putting their knowledge into practice and demonstrating the possibilities that emerge when curiosity meets determination.
To the participating teams: congratulations on the dedication you have shown in designing, building and programming your robots. Your willingness to experiment, solve problems and learn together will serve you well throughout your education and future careers.
Thank you to RoboCup Canada, the Canadian National Robotics Society, Sheridan College, fellow organizers, mentors and volunteers for supporting these opportunities and bringing this event to Brampton. Your efforts help inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.
We are proud to welcome you to our city. I wish all participants a rewarding competition filled with discovery, new friendships and memorable achievements.
Amarjeet GillMember of Parliament for Brampton West
“Thank you to everyone whose dedication and hard work contributed to the success of this year’s competition and ceremonies.”
Read the text
Certificate of Appreciation. Presented in recognition of The 2nd RoboCup Americas Super Regional 2026, for celebrating the Participants, Technical Committee and Volunteers. October 25th, 2026.
As the Member of Parliament for the Federal Riding of Brampton West, I am pleased to extend my congratulations to all participants, members of the technical committee and volunteers of the 2nd RoboCup Americas Super Regional (ASR) 2026.
I also recognize the Canadian National Robotics Society, RoboCup Canada and Sheridan College for hosting this important event and bringing together individuals with a shared passion for robotics and innovation. Thank you to everyone whose dedication and hard work contributed to the success of this year’s competition and ceremonies.
Sheref SabawyMember of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga—Erin Mills
“Your success is a powerful reflection of your dedication, perseverance, and commitment.”
Read the text
Congratulations RoboCup Americas 2026 of The Canadian National Robotics Society on this Important Accomplishment.
MPP Sheref Sabawy extends his most sincere congratulations and profound recognition to RoboCup Americas 2026. Your success is a powerful reflection of your dedication, perseverance, and commitment. Together, we celebrate the progress that you have made.
The Ontario spirit is exemplified through dedication, good character, and community leadership. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to you. It is the dedication of individuals like you that ensures our province continues to thrive and prosper. We celebrate your progress and look forward to witnessing your future success. We offer our deepest appreciation for your invaluable and ongoing contributions to our community.
Charmaine WilliamsMember of Provincial Parliament for Brampton Centre
“It is my pleasure to extend my warmest congratulations to everyone involved in RoboCup Americas 2026!”
Read the text
To the RoboCup Americas 2026 Community,
It is my pleasure to extend my warmest congratulations to everyone involved in RoboCup Americas 2026! This competition brings together talented individuals who share a passion for robotics, innovation, science and technology. It is an opportunity to celebrate creativity, collaboration, problem-solving and the remarkable achievements that are possible when people come together to push the boundaries of what can be accomplished.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Canadian National Robotics Society, the organizing committee, technical committee, trustees, judges, volunteers, parents, mentors and everyone whose time, expertise and dedication helped make this competition possible. Your contributions help create valuable opportunities for participants to learn, develop new skills, challenge themselves and discover their potential.
To all the participants, congratulations on being part of this exciting experience. Your commitment, curiosity and willingness to take on new challenges are qualities that will serve you well in your future studies, careers and beyond. I encourage you to continue exploring new ideas, building meaningful connections and pursuing the possibilities that science, technology, engineering and mathematics have to offer.
As the Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton Centre, I am proud to recognize the individuals and organizations helping inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Events like RoboCup Americas demonstrate the value of bringing people together to share knowledge, learn from one another and turn ambitious ideas into new possibilities.
I also warmly invite everyone in the RoboCup Americas community to join us in Canada for the next RoboCup Canada Open in April 2027. I look forward to seeing this community continue to grow, connect and celebrate the exciting future of robotics.
Congratulations once again to everyone who contributed to RoboCup Americas 2026. I wish all participants and everyone involved continued success, and all the very best in your future endeavours!
Deepak AnandMember of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga—Malton
“I commend the organizers, mentors, and participating teams for their dedication to innovation and learning.”
Read the text
To Whom It May Concern,
RE: RoboCupJunior Americas Super-Regional 2026 (RoboCup Americas 2026)
As the Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga-Malton, I am pleased to recognize the RoboCupJunior Americas Super-Regional 2026 and its contribution to advancing robotics, artificial intelligence, and youth education.
RoboCupJunior provides young people with valuable opportunities to apply their knowledge through hands-on challenges in Soccer, Rescue, and OnStage robotics. By designing and programming robots, participants develop technical skills, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
I commend the organizers, mentors, and participating teams for their dedication to innovation and learning. I encourage all participants to take pride in their achievements, learn from one another, and continue pursuing their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
City of BramptonEconomic Development Office
“It is an honour for Brampton to host talented students from across North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean…”
Read the text
On behalf of the City of Brampton’s Economic Development Office, I am pleased to welcome the organizers, competitors, coaches and families attending RoboCup Americas 2026 at Sheridan College’s Davis Campus. It is an honour for Brampton to host talented students from across North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean as they come together to showcase innovation, creativity and technical excellence.
RoboCup brings robotics and artificial intelligence to life through hands-on challenges that encourage students to apply their skills, solve complex problems and work collaboratively. Through these experiences, participants develop the technical and leadership capabilities that will help shape the industries of tomorrow.
This event is especially meaningful for Brampton, where advanced manufacturing is a key driver of our economy. As robotics, automation and smart technologies continue to transform manufacturing processes, the demand for skilled talent in these fields is growing. Competitions like this one help inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators, engineers and technology leaders who will support the future of this important sector.
The City is committed to building an environment where innovation, entrepreneurship and talent can thrive. Through the Brampton Innovation District, the City works alongside entrepreneurship organizations, post-secondary institutions and technology partners to strengthen our growing innovation ecosystem.
I would like to recognize the Organizing Committee, Sheridan College and everyone involved in bringing this event to Brampton. To all participating teams best of luck as you showcase your hard work, ingenuity and passion for robotics. We hope you also take time to enjoy our city during your stay.
We are proud to welcome you to Brampton and wish you a successful and inspiring competition.

More than 25 years of RoboCupJunior

RoboCupJunior has been getting students into robotics for over twenty-five years — and the shape of it has barely changed, because it worked from the start.

What students take from it is less academic than a grade. They work in a team under time pressure, they meet people who do this for a living, and they watch something they built succeed or fail in front of an audience. The studies are under Impact.

The winning artwork commemorating 25 years of RoboCupJunior: a robot mascot with a soccer ball, theatre masks, and a rescue maze. — Fernanda Lima, a RoboCupJunior participant from Brazil, won the contest to design the 25-year commemorative image.

1998
Paris, France
The idea debuted at the RoboCup international competition.
2000
Melbourne, Australia
The first official RoboCupJunior competition, with three challenges: soccer, line-following sumo and dance. Rescue followed in 2001.
Today
Across the Americas
The same three leagues, run by regional committees from Canada to Chile, feeding the international competition each year.

Contact

info at robocupamericas.org

About RoboCup Americas

What each regional committee does

Host an edition

Volunteer

Support the teams

Letters of recognition