What happens when months of programming, testing, redesigning and teamwork culminate in one final challenge?

For 53 students from Slovakia and Austria, the answer was simple: a day full of robots, creativity, problem-solving and a mission to explore an unknown planet.

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology of the Slovak University of Technology (FEI STU) in Bratislava hosted the grand finale of the first edition of the RoCoCo Correspondence Robotics Competition, organised within the ICE Robotics project.

Over the course of the school year, 18 teams from 11 secondary schools participated in the competition. Altogether, 73 students tackled four correspondence challenges designed around the educational robot platform mBot2, gradually developing their skills in programming, robotics, engineering design and creative problem-solving.

More Than Just Programming

The competition was never only about writing code.

Each challenge encouraged students to experiment with sensors, design algorithms, develop their own technical solutions and improve their robots through engineering modifications. Some tasks even required teams to design and manufacture custom components using 3D printing, bringing together digital design and physical prototyping.

Every challenge added another layer of complexity and another opportunity to learn.

By the time students arrived in Bratislava for the final event, they had already spent months transforming ideas into working robotic solutions.

Mission: Explore an Unknown Planet

The final challenge introduced an entirely new scenario.

Students suddenly found themselves responsible for preparing an unknown planet for future human settlement.

Their robots became autonomous exploration rovers tasked with completing a series of missions. Teams had to remove obstacles, investigate the planetary surface, manipulate objects and even demonstrate creative forms of communication.

Unlike the correspondence rounds, where teams had weeks to develop their solutions, the final challenge had to be solved on-site within a limited time frame.

The atmosphere in the competition hall quickly filled with brainstorming, testing, debugging and excited discussions as teams worked against the clock.

As one of the organisers explained:

“We were delighted to see students demonstrating not only technical knowledge but also the ability to think independently, collaborate, experiment and adapt to new situations. These are exactly the skills that modern technical professions require.”

Celebrating Success

After four correspondence rounds and one demanding final challenge, the best-performing teams were recognised for their achievements.

The winner of the correspondence part of the competition was GbeProBot from SOŠ elektrotechnická Gbely. Strong performances were also delivered by The Magicians and Die Zukunft from Deutsche Schule Bratislava, together with many other talented teams from Slovak and Austrian schools.

In the on-site final, the highest score was achieved by Hálováci from SPŠE Hálová Bratislava. Among the most successful teams were also M-Team from Spojená škola Mokrohájska and all participating teams from Deutsche Schule Bratislava.

But perhaps the most important achievement was not measured by points.

It was the confidence gained, the friendships formed and the experience of solving real-world challenges together.

Robotics Beyond the Competition

The final event offered more than competitive excitement.

Students and teachers also visited the laboratories of the National Centre of Robotics, where they explored applications of mobile and industrial robotics in real manufacturing environments.

For many participants, it was their first opportunity to see how technologies similar to those they used in the competition are applied in industry and research.

The event also highlighted the growing diversity within STEM education. Approximately one quarter of the participants were girls, reflecting a positive trend towards broader participation in robotics, programming and engineering.

Building the Next Generation of Innovators

The RoCoCo Correspondence Robotics Competition demonstrates how educational robotics can connect students across borders while developing technical skills, creativity and teamwork.

By combining robotics, programming, engineering design and international collaboration, the competition creates opportunities for young people to experience technology not only as users, but as creators.

And judging by the enthusiasm displayed during the final mission, many future engineers, researchers and innovators have already taken their first steps.

The RoCoCo Competition is organised within the ICE Robotics project, which promotes STEM education, educational robotics and innovative technologies while connecting schools from Slovakia and Austria through cross-border collaboration.

Photos from the event published in the Gallery section.

Interreg Slovakia-Austria