RCAP 2025 to strengthen UAE's position as global hub for robotics, innovation

SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

Khalifa University will host RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025 (RCAP 2025) in Abu Dhabi from November 10-15, bringing together over 1,900 participants from more than 25 countries.

The international robotics competition, one of the largest of its kind, will include leagues for humanoid soccer, domestic and rescue robots, and educational robotics, and is expected to attract more than 2,500 visitors.

It is part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs and Chairman of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council.

Dr. Hamad Karki, General Chairman of RCAP 2025, described the event as a strategic opportunity for both Khalifa University and the UAE.

"Khalifa University has been a pioneer in robotics education and research in the UAE, and hosting RoboCup Asia-Pacific 2025 reinforces that leadership. Bringing RCAP 2025 to Abu Dhabi strengthens the country's robotics ecosystem," Dr. Karki told Aletihad.

Dr. Karki said the event would serve as a collaborative platform for researchers, engineers, and students from around the world to exchange ideas, test emerging technologies, and co-develop solutions with real-world applications.

For local talent, he added, it would offer hands-on opportunities to engage with the latest technologies and gain access to international networks.

"For Emirati students and researchers, this means hands-on exposure to cutting-edge robotics and AI, opportunities to compete and present research, and direct interaction with global experts. This experience opens doors for internships, joint projects, and long-term collaborations that help grow the local talent pool."

In addition to encouraging academic and research partnerships, the event will also spotlight real-world applications of robotics, from service and rescue robots to athletic and humanoid machines.

"Education leagues will give school students a pathway into STEM. Research competitions will feature rescue robots, home-assistant robots, and advanced human–robot interaction systems," he explained.

"A historic milestone will be the debut of 5-versus-5 autonomous humanoid soccer matches, and even athletic robots performing tasks such as boxing, offering audiences a glimpse of robotics beyond the laboratory."

Dr. Karki believes hosting RCAP 2025 will help strengthen the UAE's position as a global hub for robotics, research, and AI, while encouraging institutions across the country to push the boundaries of innovation.

"Hosting RCAP 2025 brings global teams and technologies to the UAE, advancing knowledge and inspiring local institutions to push further. The competitions challenge teams to build energy-efficient robots, smarter algorithms, and fully autonomous systems," he said.

"The humanoid soccer matches are particularly symbolic of the UAE's vision, showcasing technologies that will one day translate into healthcare, mobility, and service robotics."

Dr. Karki stressed the importance of partnerships in ensuring the impact of RCAP 2025 extends well beyond the competition itself.

"Partnerships are essential for turning RCAP 2025 into a catalyst for long-term change. Technology developers from around the world will take part not only to support teams but to display their innovations to the public."

RCAP has already played a part in real-world innovation, including warehouse automation, disaster response, and smart city systems. Dr. Karki said the 2025 edition would continue this tradition as a real-time testbed for practical applications, adding that UAE entities will have the opportunity to work with Khalifa University to explore new technologies, enabling research collaboration, technology transfer, and localised innovation.

Discussing the UAE's contribution to RoboCup's 2050 goal of creating a robot team capable of beating human soccer champions, he stressed the importance of year-round engagement.

"Achieving the 2050 goal requires joint support from government, industry, and academia to build talent and invest in research," he said.

"RCAP 2025 is a first step in creating a national robotics community that is active year-round, not just during the competition. Schools and universities can establish teams and programs that continue to develop technology as students graduate, and new ones join."