To book your kick off session or learn more email us now
What is Robocup Jr?
Robocup Jr is a robotics competition for New Zealand school aged students. There are four different branches; Rescue, Theatre, Soccer and online.
Robocup Jr Rescue involves designing, building and coding a robot that is capable of following a line and turning the correct way at intersections, avoid obstacles and then locate and remove a “victim” represented by a can. Works best with Lego Mindstorms, SPIKE, VEX or home built Ardunio/Raspberry Pi robots, in teams of 2. Ages 8 – 18.
For more information click here: Robocup Jr Categories
Robocup Jr Theatre involves teams designing and coding a 1-2 play or dance where robots are the actors. Students come up with the theme, design and build sets, costumes and props and code the robot(s) to move autonomously. Any robotics equipment can be used. Works best in teams of 4. Ages 7 – 18.
For more information click here: Robocup Jr Categories
Robocup Jr Soccer requires teams to code two robots to play a game soccer. The robot needs to autonomously respond to the movement of the ball, their team robot and the opposition. Works best with Lego Mindstorm, SPIKE, VEX, in teams of 2. We recommend teams have experience with Rescue before working in soccer.
For more information click here: Robocup Jr Categories
Online Competition: Artbot, HelperBot and Bio-Mimicry These online competitions challenge you to use your robotics skills to compete in a different way. Teams develop a project and submit a video and engineering journal of their work.
For more information click here: Robocup Jr Categories
How do I participate in Robocup Jr?
You can get started yourself by referring to the rules:
On Stage: https://www.robocupjunior.org.au/onstage/
Rescue: https://www.robocupjunior.org.au/rescue-line/
Soccer: https://www.robocupjunior.org.au/soccer/
In our supported regions you can book in for a free kick off session. Kick off sessions are a full day and can be tailored to include an introduction to Edison Robots. The standard sessions include; an introduction to Robocup Jr Theatre, how to tell good stories, key tips for props and next steps.
Our Robocup Jr Rescue Kick Off Sessions are currently available in Rotorua, Auckland, Northland, Masterton and Nelson. These cover an introduction to the competition and walk students and teachers through the coding required.
Sessions are available during the following dates in the following regions:
Auckland: Term 2 2026
Rotorua and EBOP: Term 2 2026
Masterton: Term 2 2026
Wellington and Nelson: Term 2 2026
To Book a kick off session for your teams please email samantha@ministryofinspiration.org
Resources
How do I register or get more information
Regionals are happening around the country this year. If you’re outside one of our regions please email amy@ministryofinspiration.org
To register for a regional click here
Northland: 20th June Bream Bay College
West Auckland: 21st June Glen Eden Intermediate
Rotorua: 27th June Lynmore Primary School
EBOP: 28th June Allandale Primary School
Masterton: 6th June Wairarapa College
Wellington: 27th June Wellington High School
Nelson: 14th June Nelson Intermediate
Christchurch: 21st June Turanga Library
Nationals: 8th August Lynmore Primary School
To book a kick off session or see what support you can get please email
What equipment or tools do I need?
The most important tools are a robot. You can use any robotics equipment for Theatre, but Rescue and Soccer work best with Lego SPIKE, Mindstorm or VEX robots.
For theatre you will then need materials to make costumes, props and sets. We recommend any craft materials you have handy, plus the use of old Real Estate signs as bases to work from.
For Rescue and Soccer you will need access to playing mats to practice with. There are some available to borrow. We will be using the MTA modular tiles at regionals and nationals – please reach out if you would like to know the differences.
If you’d like to chat feel free to email us to answer any of your questions amy@ministryofinspiration.org
