Robot builders from 11 countries compete in Moscow

The qualifying stage of the 2026 Battle of Robots Championship is under way in Moscow, bringing together 144 teams from 11 countries.

The five-day competition is being held with the support of Russia's Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media. A total of 36 teams will advance to the later stages.

Fights take place inside an enclosed arena protected by reinforced glass. Remote-controlled robots compete in two weight classes, 110 kilograms and 1.5 kilograms, with victory awarded when one machine is disabled or pushed out of the ring.

Chinese teams are drawing particular attention. China won the inaugural championship and its competitors continue to be regarded as some of the strongest participants in the international field.

Organizers say the event is designed not only to identify the best teams but also to attract young people to engineering, robotics and practical technology development.

The tournament carries a prize pool of 6.6 million rubles, or about 77,000 U.S. dollars, and is being live-streamed online.

According to CCTV+, Battle of Robots is developing into an international platform for engineering exchange and the promotion of robotics among young people.