A look back at the 2026 RoboCupJunior European Championship in Vienna

19 June, 2026
Young robotics teams from across Europe competed in Vienna in the Soccer, Rescue and OnStage categories. UAS Technikum Wien played a key role in planning and organising the championship.
From 3 to 6 June 2026, the Marx Halle in Vienna was transformed into a hub for young robotics talent: the RoboCupJunior European Championship (RCJEC 2026) brought together Europe’s best junior teams, who had previously come out on top in their national qualifiers.
A total of 155 teams, comprising 496 team members and 162 coaches from 15 nations, took part; around 450 to 500 visitors watched the exciting competitions in person. In the Soccer, Rescue and OnStage disciplines, the young people showcased impressive autonomous systems, clever algorithms and creative, technology-driven performances.
The intense competitive atmosphere was characterised by an open, international exchange of experiences: teams provided insights into their development processes, refined strategies through direct comparison and forged new collaborations across national borders.
Cutting-edge research and nurturing the next generation
A highlight was the link-up with the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation 2026 (ICRA 2026), which took place from 1 to 5 June at VIECON Messe Wien. This proximity brought together cutting-edge research and the promotion of young talent in a unique way: ICRA participants took the opportunity to visit the RCJEC 2026 during the competition days, whilst guided tours offered Austrian school classes inspiring insights into practical robotics, teamwork and problem-solving.
The importance of robotics, artificial intelligence and STEM skills
The event was supported by a dedicated organising committee: General Chair Wilfried Kubinger (UAS Technikum Wien, RoboCupJunior Austria), Organising Chair Gerald Steinbauer-Wagner (Graz University of Technology, RoboCupJunior Austria), RoboCupJunior Soccer Chair Marek Suppa (RoboCupJunior Slovakia), RoboCupJunior Rescue Co-Chair Nico Riedmann (RoboCupJunior Austria), RoboCupJunior Rescue Co-Chair Richard Halatschek (RoboCupJunior Austria) and RoboCupJunior OnStage Chair Petra Schindler (RoboCupJunior Austria).
Their shared aim – to inspire young people with a passion for technology and to convey to them the importance of robotics, artificial intelligence and STEM skills for the future of Europe – shaped the concept and programme of the RCJEC 2026.
Fostering the next generation of technology experts
The keen interest shown by teams, coaches, schools and international guests confirms the importance of this platform for the long-term development of the next generation of technology experts.
UAS Technikum Wien had a strong presence at the event in the Marx Halle; alongside Wilfried Kubinger, who played a leading role on the organising committee, Sylvia Geyer (Rector) and Michael Windisch (Head of the Faculty of Electronic Engineering & Entrepreneurship) were also in attendance, among many others.
This project was funded by, amongst others, the Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research (BMFWF), the Federal Ministry of Education (BMB), the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) and the FFG (www.ffg.at). The FFG is the central national funding agency and works to strengthen Austria’s innovative capacity.
Further Information:
RoboCupJunior European Championship 2026 in Vienna
Bachelor’s program in Electronics
Master’s program in Embedded Systems
Bachelor’s program in Mechatronics/Robotics
Master’s program in Robotics Engineering
IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation 2026




Photos from the opening:
Highlights from the event:
Group photo of volunteers:









































