Overview

AI IoT Robotics Challenge (AIROC) is a world-leading STEM education platform that pioneers a Cyber-Physical (real–virtual parallel) learning model. AIROC focuses on Physical AI- where robots don’t just move, but must also “see” (Computer Vision), “think” (Algorithms), and “communicate” (IoT) to solve real-world environmental problems.

The goal

AIROC aims to cultivate the next generation of innovators by helping students develop end-to-end AI + robotics problem-solving skills, bridging classroom learning with hands-on real-world impact through measurable missions and authentic scenarios.

Announcement

We’re thrilled to announce that the International AIROC 2026 will be held in Vietnam on November 2026. This year’s competition brings new challenges, a brand-new theme, upgraded learning resources, and even more opportunities for young innovators to showcase their creativity and technical skills.

It is not just a robot assembly contest. It is a pioneering Cyber-Physical educational platform where the line between the Virtual world (Simulation) and the Physical world (Reality) is blurred.

Unlike traditional competitions where robots run on fixed, hard-coded scripts, AIROC sets a new standard for thinking capacity:

• From "Code to Run" to "Code to Think": Robots don't just move blindly; they must "see" using Computer Vision and "communicate" via IoT to make real-time decisions.

• From "Manual Trial & Error" to "Digital Optimization": Students master the modern industrial workflow: Simulating thousands of scenarios on a Digital Twin to find the optimal solution before deploying it on expensive hardware.

AIROC 2026

🔹The Context

In 2025, Mega-cities are choked by dense, toxic smog clouds. Humans cannot enter the danger zones.

🔹The Solution

We need a Cyber-Physical system that bridges the Virtual World (Simulation) and the Real World (Action).

🔹The Mission

Students act as Chief Engineers, orchestrating a fleet of robots to identify, contain, and neutralize pollution sources to restore the blue sky.

SYNAPSE CITY

Competition Hardware and Software​

LEANBOT

4 categories: Explorer, Creator, Innovator and Master

• Building Robot: NO

• Active Field Model: NONE

• Robot Base size: NO MODIFICATION

• Robot Brain (Apprentice / Veteran): 1 MAX (Leanbot Standard)

• Robot Brain (Expert / Elite): 2 MAX (Leanbot IoT)

• Common Programming Software:

  • Explorer: Blockly

  • Creator/ Innovator: Blockly / C++

  • Master: C++

• Pre-Programming: PRE-SAVED PROGRAM ALLOWED

Competition Materials

🔹Leanbot Gameplay & Overview
AIROC 2026 - Regular Category - Gameplay & Overview (updated: 29/01/2026)

🔹Rules & Regulations (R&R)
AIROC 2026 - Regular Category - R&R (updated: 29/01/2026)

🔹Scoring & Setup
Coming Soon

🔹Field Model Inventory List
Coming Soon

🔹Building Manual (MBIM)
Coming Soon

🔹Scoring Sheet
Coming Soon

🔹Randomizer Tool
Coming Soon

🔹FAQ
Coming Soon

Knowledge Hub

To help participants better understand the global air-quality crisis and the technologies shaping the future of environmental restoration, we’ve curated a collection of reference videos, news stories, and informative articles.

Reference Videos:

• South Africa Turns to AI to Fight Air Pollution – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOrtizvRwj4

• WHO Science in 5 – How Air Pollution Damages Young Brains – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKy1X6nijhk

News Highlights:

• “I panic every time she coughs” – Delhi’s Toxic Air and Its Impact on Children – https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx23lyp2dmeo

• Cleaner Vehicle Grants to End as Millions Remain Unspent – https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1j8jrw77k9o

Informative Articles:

• Are EV Batteries Bad for the Environment? – https://www.greencars.com/greencars-101/environmental-impact-of-ev-batteries

Join AIROC 2026 today

& own the future you create