Abu Dhabi: Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced it will host the eighth edition of the RoboCup Asia-Pacific (RCAP 2025) in Abu Dhabi from 10 to 15 November 2025, marking a significant moment for the UAE's burgeoning robotics ecosystem.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event will be organized in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau. Khalifa University will showcase a range of technologies through eight leagues, including RoboCupSoccer, RoboCupRescue, RoboCup@Home, RoboCupJunior, RCAP Industry-Sponsored League, and RoboCupIndustrial, with 15 sub-leagues. The event will also feature RCAP Challenges and RCAP Demonstrations.
The RCAP 2025 will include 34 competitions across all categories, with 14 in the major leagues and 20 in the junior division, covering soccer, rescue, industrial, and home robotics. It is expected to attract 1,900 participants. The event aligns with UAE national priorities such as smart mobility, AI for sustainability, and technologies for regional challenges. The competition will focus on global themes like 'Sustainability', 'Transforming Industries', 'Energy-Efficient Robotics', 'Sustainable Manufacturing', and 'AI-Driven Sustainable Models'. Teams will be encouraged to build eco-friendly robots, use recyclable materials, and apply AI to optimize resource management.
Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, emphasized the significance of hosting RCAP 2025, highlighting Abu Dhabi's emerging role as a regional hub for advanced robotics and AI. This aligns with the UAE's Year of Community initiative, aimed at fostering unity and empowerment, and provides a platform to inspire young minds and engage communities.
Abu Dhabi's successful bid to host RCAP 2025 is bolstered by Khalifa University's international reputation, particularly after the university's robotics team, KURA, achieved second place globally in the Kid-Size Humanoid League at RoboCup 2024 in the Netherlands, marking their first participation in the competition.
Beyond the competitions, Khalifa University plans to enhance STEM engagement through initiatives like RoboCupJunior and is forming partnerships with regional and international entities from academia, industry, and government to make RCAP 2025 a global event.