World Robotic Open Championships - September 2025

The WRO Open Championships are organised by different member countries each year. They focus primarily on hosting teams from the region that they are hosted in. The Slovenian National Organizer invited us to the city of Ljubljana for an Open Championship, with competitions in all WRO categories and age groups.

Open Championships are events where it is just as important to make new international friends and have fun as it is to compete in the WRO challenges. Open Championships are also meant to give more teams the opportunity to visit an international WRO event. Robotics competitions like the WRO are vital for fostering innovation and preparing students for the future workforce. These events provide a platform for students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, enhancing their problem-solving skills and creativity. The skills honed through robotics – coding, mechanical engineering, teamwork, and critical thinking – are increasingly valuable across a wide range of industries. As automation becomes more prevalent, a workforce proficient in robotics will be essential for maintaining economic competitiveness.

Our team travelled to Ljubljana, spending the first day practicing at the venue, coaches were banned from the team pit and board area so could do little to help their teams other than cheering them on. For the second day we got to see the city of Ljubljana, visiting the zoo, the castle and the house of illusion museum. We walked around the historic city centre and took a boat tour along the river. The next day was a full competition day with students having the surprise challenge of new blocks on the board to be rescued. On the final day the board got completely changed: new starting position, board models all rebuilt and a new set of rules, leaving the team with 3.5 hours to prepare and no help from team coaches who were quite literally side-lined.

"We made the best discoveries and adventures in the country and it was one of the best countries I have ever been to. I hope next year we will succeed to the internationals. This one of the best experiences of my life and I hope other people will get to go too - Venuka"