The 4th World University Underwater Robot Competition concluded on Aug 13 at Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City in Sanya, Hainan province. This year's event set a new participation record with 130 teams from 27 universities and research institutions worldwide, establishing itself as a leading international platform for young innovators in marine robotics.
Organizers assembled an international judging panel featuring experts from Russia's Robotics Development Center, Belarusian State Technical University, and China's National Deep Sea Center, among other institutions. The competition focused on three main categories: Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and creative conceptual designs. These categories addressed critical challenges in underwater exploration, navigation, and precision operations, with tasks designed to simulate real-world marine applications.
The AUV competition drew inspiration from China's "Deep Sea No 1" project, testing capabilities in deep-sea operations through advanced acoustic-optical navigation and cooperative robotics. Meanwhile, the ROV track replicated practical aquaculture scenarios from Danzhou, requiring precise object manipulation and deployment tasks. These realistic challenges spurred significant innovations in underwater sensing technologies and AI-driven control systems.
Several teams delivered exceptional performances. Harbin Engineering University's "Hailing Team" demonstrated remarkable improvements in robot stability through sophisticated programming adjustments. Russia's Nevelskoy Maritime State University stood out with its innovative robot design featuring breakthrough drag-reduction and propulsion systems. After intense competition, the judging panel awarded top honors, including four first-place ROV teams and two AUV champions.
Co-organized by the China Shipbuilding Engineering Society and Russia's Marinet, the competition strengthened international collaboration in marine technology. Sanya government officials highlighted the event's importance in advancing marine robotics innovation and expressed commitment to supporting research talent development.
