Robotics Innovation
Description
The Robotics Innovation competition isn’t just a competition, it is a launchpad to change the world with robots. The participants have to pick a theme, tinker with ideas and bring to life a working project or model that tackles real-world challenges in fun, creative ways. This competition isn’t just about building robots—it’s about imagining better solutions, applying knowledge, and demonstrating how technology can make a meaningful difference in everyday life. This is a chance to turn a “what if?” into a “what’s next”. Think of it as a mashup of imagination, and engineering —all wired together to spark innovation. Participants will gain hands-on experience in innovation and design. It’s time to grab your tools, power up your curiosity, and get ready to show us how your robot can make the planet a smarter, cooler, and better place to live! Join us in witnessing the bright minds of tomorrow transform bold ideas into inspiring, practical solutions.
Participants from the given category can participate in the Robotics Innovation competition:
- Developers - The participants of Grades 3 to 7
- Innovators - The participants of Grade 8 to 12
In the Developers category, only 70 Teams are eligible to participate, encompassing both national and international countries. The participants of a team can be from varying grades that are demarcated under the given category.
In the Innovators category, only 70 teams are eligible to participate in the semi-final round from each city. The participants of a team can be from varying grades that are demarcated under the given category.
Team size: Minimum 1 and Maximum 5
Robotics Innovation Competition
In the Robotics Innovation competition, participants can present innovations targeting the following fields of Robotics and Technology:
- Smart Healthcare & Hospitality – patient care assistants, automated medicine dispensers, service robots, hospital delivery bots, and health aids.
- Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security – smart farming, irrigation, and crop monitoring.
- Urban Development & Smart Cities – waste management, traffic solutions, and energy efficiency.
The team should present a physical working prototype of their idea along with necessary documentation. The project must be fully functional at the time of demonstration and will be judged based on innovation, functionality, scalability, and future scope.
Steps to Register and Participate:
- Register yourself and your team members as users on the official Mekathlon website.
- Once your team members are registered, select the Robotics Innovation Competition from the competition list in your login panel and apply.
- Select team members who will participate in the competition. A minimum of 1 and a maximum of 5 members are allowed in one team. Also, select your city for participating in the event.
- You must select and declare the theme of your choice at the time of registration. This cannot be changed later. Your project cannot fit under more than one category — if it does, you will be asked to justify your choice before judgment.
- Prepare your innovative project and share a synopsis (250–500 words)describing your idea. The synopsis should be printed and handed over to the judges during evaluation.
Step into the Project Display Zone designed to highlight the participants' groundbreaking innovations. Viewers can engage with creators, explore detailed presentations, and witness firsthand how these innovations are shaping industries and driving future advancements.
A dedicated area for each category will be assigned to each team, with interactive booths showcasing prototypes and details about the projects. Teams can set up charts and visuals to explain their project in a better manner.
Jury members would visit the display zone as per the given schedule. Teams may be asked to give presentations in a separate room and further they have to give demonstrations of their products.
Judging and Scoring Criteria
The Innovation Challenge is completely controlled by the panel of judges and led by the Chief Judge. Judges observe and supervise all teams participating throughout the competition days to evaluate performance, assign final scores, and make decisions. The Chief Judge may change a decision only at his/her discretion or on the advice of co-judges. The decision of the Chief Judge is final and binding.
The project will be scored based on the following criteria:
- Innovation & Creativity (20%) – Originality and uniqueness of the solution.
- Problem Relevance (20%) – Addressing real-world needs and overall societal or industrial impact.
- Technical Execution (30%) – Efficient use of microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, and effective functionality.
- Scalability & Sustainability (15%) – Practical feasibility, long-term application, and environmental responsibility.
- Presentation & Teamwork (15%) – Clarity of communication, demonstration quality, and collaboration among team members.
The team achieving the highest overall score based on the above parameters will be declared the winner.
Venue: Bengaluru (India)
Registration Fee:
- For Indian residents: INR 999/- (Inclusive GST) per team.
- For non-India residents: USD 50 per team.
Zonal Round:
Each competition will announce a 1st, 2nd and 3rd position winner. Each winning team will receive a certificate and a medal.
The top 6 teams will be invited to participate in the Grand Finale, scheduled in Bengaluru.
Code of Conduct & Safety Rules
We expect all teams to act in a safe and legal manner. The actions of a single team member may be grounds for disqualification or expulsion of the entire team. The following activities are strictly prohibited:
- Fighting, belligerence, threats of physical violence or other unruly behaviour, including abusive physical contact with any Mekathlon Official, will not be tolerated and can result in the immediate expulsion of the offending team member’s entire team from the challenge.
- Running or playing in the Display Zone, except in an emergency, is not allowed. Engaging in horseplay, tossing balls or other objects, or operating remote-controlled vehicles or equipment in the display zone is also prohibited.
- No team member may deliberately touch, handle, or interfere with any other team's project, parts, tools, or equipment without explicit verbal authorization from a member of that team.