Robo-War 2026 – Combat Robotics Competition
Robo-War 2026 is a combat-robotics competition organised as part of HIMOVATION 2026, the Annual National Technical Festival of the School of Science & Technology (SST), Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Dehradun. It challenges teams to design, build and operate remote-controlled combat robots inside a protected arena, putting mechanical design, electronics, control systems, robotics and engineering strategy to the test.
Event Details
- Dates: 27–28 November 2026
- Mode: Offline / On-Campus
- Venue: School of Science & Technology (SST), Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun
- Team Size: 2–3 members
- Registration Fee: ₹500 per team
- Expected Participation: 20–25 teams
- Prize Pool: ₹37,000
Prize Pool
- 1st Prize: ₹21,000
- 2nd Prize: ₹11,000
- 3rd Prize: ₹5,000
- Certificates of Achievement will also be provided as per the event criteria.
Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to students and eligible robotics enthusiasts as permitted by the organisers, and to participants interested in robotics, electronics, mechanical systems, embedded systems and remote-control technologies. Teams must consist of 2 to 3 members, each team must nominate one Team Leader, and only registered team members will be permitted to represent the team during the competition.
Competition Format
The competition will follow a knockout and/or league format, depending on the final number of participating teams, and will be conducted in a designated protected combat arena under the supervision of referees/judges. The broad flow is: Registration → Technical Verification → Safety Inspection → Qualifying/League or Knockout Rounds → Advanced Rounds → Final → Winner Declaration. The final match schedule and detailed operational rules will be communicated by the organising committee before the competition.
Robot Requirements
Participants must ensure that the robot is remotely controlled, is designed for safe operation inside the designated combat arena, does not create unnecessary danger to participants, officials or spectators, and successfully passes the technical and safety inspection before participation. Teams bring all necessary equipment required for operating their robot. The organising committee reserves the right to reject any robot considered unsafe. The competition includes weight-category classes, subject to the final event configuration.
Safety Rules
Safety is a mandatory part of Robo-War. Participants must follow all instructions issued by referees and safety officials, remain outside the designated safety barricade during matches, not enter the combat arena without authorization, ensure that only authorized team members operate the robot, switch off or make the robot safe whenever it is not participating in a match, and follow all fire-safety and emergency procedures announced by the organisers. Any unsafe operation may result in immediate suspension or disqualification.
Match Rules
Teams must report to the arena before their scheduled match; late arrival may result in a walkover. All matches will be conducted under the supervision of referees/judges. Teams must immediately stop their robot whenever instructed by the referee. Deliberate attempts to damage the arena or violate safety rules may result in disqualification. The referee's decision during a match shall be final.
Evaluation & Winning Criteria
Teams may be evaluated on technical design, mechanical robustness, control and maneuverability, strategy, effective performance during matches, and compliance with safety requirements. The final result will be determined by the designated judges/referees in accordance with the competition rules.
Registration
Registration Fee: ₹500 per team. Registration must be completed within the prescribed registration timeline, and teams must provide accurate participant details. Technical details of the robot may be required during verification. Registration is considered confirmed only after successful verification and completion of the applicable registration process. Any change in team composition after registration requires approval from the organising committee.
Important Rules & Conduct
Participants must maintain discipline and professional conduct throughout the event. Cheating, unfair practices, misconduct or violation of safety regulations may result in disqualification. Participants must respect fellow participants, judges, referees, volunteers and organisers, and must follow all University campus rules and safety instructions. Participants are responsible for their own equipment and belongings unless otherwise specified by the organisers. The organising committee may modify the schedule, format or arrangements if required due to operational or unforeseen circumstances. The decision of the judges and organising committee shall be final and binding.
Why Participate?
Put your engineering skills to the ultimate test. Design. Control. Strategize. Compete. Robo-War 2026 is an opportunity for robotics enthusiasts to experience competitive combat robotics in a structured on-campus environment while demonstrating their skills in mechanical engineering, electronics, embedded systems, remote control and strategic thinking.
Organised By
School of Science & Technology (SST), Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Dehradun.
Event Contact
Dr. Rohit Kanauzia – 8126207090; Dr. Gunjan Chhabra – 8433102140; Dr. Ashutosh Bhatt – 7895533079. Email: himovation@srhu.edu.in
Note
Detailed technical specifications, final weight categories, match schedules and any additional competition rules will be communicated by the organising committee before the event. Participants must comply with the final rules issued by the organisers.
