news 29.06.2026
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The 2026 World Robot Olympiad Inspires with Technology, and Up-and-Coming Talent
Klagenfurt, June 26, 2026 – Numerous young tech enthusiasts, innovative robotics solutions, and a strong team spirit made the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Austria 2026 a huge success. On June 25, the Lakeside Science & Technology Park in Klagenfurt became the nationwide hub for robotics, digital education, and fostering the next generation of technologists.
A total of 16 teams, comprising 48 children and teenagers as well as 16 supervisors and coaches, took part in the Austrian competition.
For the top teams, there was much more at stake than just the national title: With their victory, the most successful teams earned a spot in the international WRO Finals in Puerto Rico and will represent Austria in the global competition—where the best young robotics engineers from numerous countries will face off against one another.
The event was organized by Techno-Z Braunau in cooperation with the Lakeside Science & Technology Park and the Educational Lab.
Experience technology instead of just learning about it
The World Robot Olympiad is an international robotics competition for children and teenagers ages 8 to 19, with the goal of sparking an early interest in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology (STEM) among young people. Working in teams, the participants designed and programmed their own robotic solutions based on LEGO technology and tackled challenging tasks in accordance with international competition standards.
The focus was on the principle of «learning by doing»: The teams built autonomous robots and developed strategies to independently solve complex tasks on the competition course. In addition to technical understanding, the competition particularly promoted creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.
This year, there was a special focus on the RoboMission categories:
- Elementary (Ages 8–12) – Robot Rockstars
- Junior (ages 11–15) – Heritage Heroes
- Senior (ages 14–19) – Mosaic Masters
Robotics as the Key to the Future
For the Educational Lab at Lakeside Park, the World Robot Olympiad is a key component of modern STEM education. Through hands-on activities such as robotics and programming, children and teens are introduced to future technologies at an early age and supported in their personal development.
Bernhard Lamprecht, Managing Director of Lakeside Park:
«The World Robot Olympiad brings young talent right to where the future is being shaped—into a vibrant innovation hub like Lakeside Park. It’s impressive to see the creativity and technical expertise already being applied here to develop the solutions of tomorrow. Initiatives like this are crucial for sparking enthusiasm for technology and strengthening the region as a hub for innovation in the long term.»
As a regional education partner, the Lakeside Park Educational Lab provided on-site organizational and content support for the event, while also creating a platform for exchange between the fields of education, business, and technology.
Exchange Between Education, Business, and Innovation
In addition to the competition, the event focused primarily on networking. It brought together students, coaches, educational institutions, and technology partners, and highlighted Klagenfurt as an innovative hub for education and technology.
Herbert Ibinger, organizer of the World Robot Olympiad Austria and managing director of Techno-Z Braunau:
«The competition combines technology with teamwork and creativity and offers the winning teams the chance to prove themselves on the international stage. In doing so, the WRO sends a strong message about the importance of digital education and specifically fosters the innovative talent of tomorrow. Lakeside Park was deliberately chosen as a venue that, like few others, stands for future technologies. The World Robot Olympiad brings young talent to where the future is taking shape—right in the heart of a vibrant innovation ecosystem.»
The World Robot Olympiad not only strengthens young people’s digital skills, but also supports the long-term development of Carinthia as a hub for future-oriented innovation.
International Opportunities for Young Talents
The World Robot Olympiad not only offers young people the opportunity to demonstrate their technical skills, but also opens up opportunities beyond national borders. The top teams from the Austrian competition qualify for international competitions and represent Austria at the European and global levels.
With the Austrian competition now behind us, attention is already turning to the international competitions: The WRO European Championship will take place October 13–16, 2026, in Zagreb, Croatia. The World Finals will follow December 8–10, 2026, in Puerto Rico.
Impressions
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