Aberdeen Technical School "ATS Robot" Wins 1st Runner-Up at Robofest World Championship

The success of Maribor’s student team in developing an agricultural robot that won first place in the Freestyle category at the Field Robot Event 2026 highlights the growing role of young innovators in addressing modern farming challenges. The team, known as FarmBeast, represented the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology (FERI) at the University of Maribor. Their robot, designed to remove weeds from potatoes, impressed judges and competitors alike with its advanced use of machine vision and robotic arms for precise weeding. The competition, held near Bernburg in Germany, attracted 16 teams from universities worldwide, including participants from Germany, China, and Turkey. The event featured five categories, ranging from autonomous navigation to identifying pests and markers in irregularly shaped fields. FarmBeast achieved notable placements, securing first place in the Freestyle challenge and fourth in the irregular field navigation category. This achievement underscores the interdisciplinary collaboration among students specializing in engineering, computer science, agriculture, and more, demonstrating how emerging technologies can revolutionize traditional practices.

The competition itself served as a platform for showcasing innovations aimed at improving precision agriculture. The Freestyle category allowed teams to present unique solutions tailored to specific agricultural problems, and FarmBeast’s focus on weed removal during potato harvesting exemplified the kind of creativity and problem-solving that is increasingly vital in sustainable farming. The robot’s ability to distinguish between crops and weeds using image recognition and perform targeted interventions reflects broader trends in automation within the agricultural sector. Such advancements could significantly reduce labor costs and increase efficiency, particularly in regions where manual labor is becoming less viable due to aging populations or changing economic conditions. The success of FarmBeast not only highlights the capabilities of Slovenian students but also positions them as contributors to global discussions on technological innovation in agriculture.

Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) played a pivotal role in hosting the inaugural HKSAR Contest of the 16th National E-commerce “Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship” Competition, commonly referred to as the 3Chuang Competition. This initiative, organized under the framework of the National E-commerce Competition, aimed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among tertiary students. Over 12 teams from Hong Kong participated, achieving significant results and earning the opportunity to compete in the national finals. Professors and officials emphasized the importance of translating research into practical applications that benefit society, noting that PolyU’s involvement in the competition aligns with its commitment to knowledge transfer and innovation-driven growth. The contest not only recognized talent but also encouraged cross-institutional collaboration, bridging gaps between academia and industry. By supporting these young innovators, PolyU reinforced its position as a leader in advancing technological and entrepreneurial education in the region.

In another corner of the world, the Aberdeen Technical School in Hong Kong made headlines by placing second at the Robofest World Championship, marking a historic achievement for the school. The team, named ATS Robot, competed in the "BottleSumo Advanced Senior Division (Class C)" and demonstrated exceptional skill in both programming and mechanical design. Their performance earned them the title of First Runner-Up, highlighting the school’s dedication to STEM education and hands-on learning. During the competition, the team engaged in meaningful exchanges with international competitors, including the Chinese National Team, which helped broaden their understanding of global robotics standards and best practices. The experience also included cultural immersion activities, such as visits to the California Science Center and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where students gained exposure to cutting-edge research and technological developments. These opportunities not only enhanced their technical expertise but also inspired future ambitions in scientific research and innovation.

Back in Slovenia, the annual project “Hrana ni za tjavendan” (Food is Not for Waste) continued to make waves, with its 12th season recording record participation and impressive reductions in food waste. This initiative, led by the Ekošola program in partnership with Lidl Slovenia, saw over 29,000 children from 301 educational institutions—kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, and one vocational college—engage in activities aimed at reducing food waste. With the help of more than 2,000 mentors, students implemented strategies such as recycling leftover ingredients and raising awareness about responsible consumption. On average, participating institutions managed to cut food waste by 30%, with some achieving reductions of up to 75%. The project’s success was celebrated with awards and recognition, reinforcing its mission to cultivate a culture of sustainability and responsibility toward food. The program’s long-standing presence since 2014 demonstrates its effectiveness in influencing behavior and creating lasting change in communities.

As summer approaches, the DigiAkademija program continues its mission to equip young people with essential digital skills. After a successful academic year focused on cybersecurity, coding, and robotics, the program now shifts its attention to summer workshops and free training sessions. These initiatives aim to provide accessible, hands-on learning experiences for students aged 6 to 29, emphasizing creativity, safety, and practical application of digital tools. Activities include LEGO robotics, Scratch programming, and virtual reality exploration, all designed to inspire the next generation of tech enthusiasts. The program, supported by a consortium of partners including Simbioza Genesis, IPM Communications, and the Institute for Gender Equality Research in Maribor, remains open to new participants, offering limited spots for free workshops. With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, DigiAkademija ensures that digital literacy becomes a shared resource, empowering individuals to thrive in an increasingly connected world.