2026 GRG Open Category Rules - Original English Version
[!IMPORTANT]
This is the exact verbatim original English rulebook as provided by the official Global Robotics Games.
3.1 Introduction
The theme for NRC this year is "Mission Meals" focusing on individuals who use technology to tackle hunger issues around the world. This challenge aims to address the challenge of ensuring a sufficient and stable food supply for all people by leveraging robotic technologies. Hunger often results from problems in how food is produced and delivered. Robots can support many stages of this journey — from growing food to bringing it safely to the people who need it.
3.2. Online Component: Video Submission
Teams are required to submit a demonstration video showing the robot in action and a presentation video. Each video must be no longer than 3 minutes.
Rules and Regulations
All video submissions should feature modest and appropriate themes that maintain a respectful and inclusive atmosphere. We will not accept suggestive themes, lewd content, or content that is racially or religiously insensitive or offensive. All music and third-party content used must be properly licensed or in the public domain. Participants assume all responsibility for copyright compliance. Grounds for disqualification: Includes violation of safety rules, plagiarism, exceeding time limits, fraudulent information, or actions undermining competition integrity. Safety: Any video featuring unsafe robot or team behaviour will result in immediate disqualification. This includes hazardous substances, open flames, smoke, or high-velocity projectiles. Electrical Safety: The maximum allowed voltage is 24V. Teams must demonstrate secure battery mounting and insulation. Evidence of short-circuiting or lack of an E-Stop will result in disqualification. Attire Guidelines: Students must be in full school attire. Individual entries must wear a T-shirt with long pants and covered shoes. Prohibited: slippers, crocs, shorts, and sleeveless tops. Audio/Video: Audio should be clearly audible. Videos must be set as unlisted on YouTube. Organisers reserve the right to limit the total number of teams each school/robotic centre is allowed to send for the open category.
Submission Guidelines
One submission per team ONLY - please check all information before submission. Student Work: All coding and video production must be done only by the students. Teachers/Coaches may offer technical guidance but cannot build the robot or edit the video. Video Title Format: School: Team Name_School Name_Age Group Individual: Your Name_Age Group Video Specifications: Resolution: at least 1080p Length: under 5 minutes Aspect ratio: 16:9 If footage is sped up or slowed down, a film rate label (e.g., "2x speed") must be clearly displayed. Refer to Section 4.1 for Video Submission Rubrics. To submit the video via the link: https://form.gov.sg/69329042ea8e817df003779f
PDPA
By submitting a video entry, participants acknowledge and consent to the following: Collection: Personal data including name, image, likeness, voice, and data within the video. Use: For purposes related to the competition, including administration, judging, and promotion/marketing. Disclosure: To judges, partners, vendors, and third-party platforms (e.g., video-hosting services) which may be located outside Singapore. Publication: Acknowledging that submitted videos may be made publicly accessible. Representations: The participant has obtained necessary consents from all identifiable individuals in the video. Retention: Data will be kept as long as necessary for legal/business requirements and then securely disposed of. Minors: Participants below 13 years of age must submit with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
3.2. Challenges
Teams are to develop robotic solutions that addresses one or more key challenges as outlined below. Additionally, to attempt the bonus challenge, teams must first address at least one of the key challenges.
a) Lack of Food Production Infrastructure
Challenge Description: If appropriate food production infrastructure is not in place, crops cannot be protected from weather conditions, nor can proper watering or effective planting be carried out, which may result in reduced yields. Possible Robotic Solutions: Robots can assemble lightweight frames, install cultivation racks, systematically place plant pots, connect irrigation hoses, and secure panels. Impact on Hunger: This can address lack of food production infrastructure, leading to more stable food production.
b) Labour-Intensive Food Production Processes
Challenge Description: Tasks such as harvesting and sorting the harvested or caught products, are still largely performed by hand. However, these tasks are labour-intensive and difficult to make more efficient. Possible Robotic Solutions: Robots can, for example, perform weeding, pollination, and the harvesting of vegetables, eggs, and fish, as well as sort harvested or caught products. Impact on Hunger: Robots that automate food production will enable food to be produced more efficiently.
c) Poor Logistics
Challenge Description: If food is transported too slowly or not kept at the right temperature, it may have to be thrown away even though it was produced carefully. Also, if some areas have too much food while others do not have enough, the food cannot be shared effectively with everyone. Possible Robotic Solutions: Robots can deliver food while keeping it at the right temperature. Impact on Hunger: By creating efficient transportation and food supply systems, food can be distributed more effectively and hunger can be reduced.
d) Robot Versatility through End-Effector Design (Bonus Challenge)
Challenge Description: The robot deployment faces inefficiency due to robots being specialised for single tasks. This limitation increases cost due to higher number of robots needed to tackle different tasks. Possible Robotic Solutions: Using mobile robots, drones, or humanoid robots as base platforms, a modular system can be implemented where interchangeable end-effectors enable a single robot to perform multiple tasks. Examples include:
- Pot Placement Tool for Crop Cultivation
- Frame Fastening Tool for Greenhouse Assembly
- Seed and Fertilizer Dispenser for Uniform Distribution
- Soft Gripper for Crop Harvesting
- Specialized Tool for Livestock Care Teams are expected to develop at least two interchangeable end-effectors. Impact on Hunger: If one robot can do many different jobs, robots can be used more cheaply and more effectively to help solve hunger problems.
3.3. Onsite Component: Project Booth
Shortlisted teams are required to present their robotic solutions in a project booth or a designated area. Approximately 2m by 2m floor space is given per team. Teams should utilize the booth to present information about their research and the development of the robotic solution. All booth decorations and setup, including the robotic solution, must remain within the booth area. Teams that exceed the boundary with props, decorations, or robots will face penalties. If liquids are necessary for the project, teams are restricted to use water only.
Judging Format & Requirements
- Teams are given 30 minutes for setup and testing at their booths.
- Presentation of robots will be done in either one or two judging sessions.
- During each session, teams will have up to 10 minutes for presentation and 5 minutes for Q&A.
- Teams should familiarize themselves with the competition day schedule and ensure their presence at the booth during their sessions.
- If a robotic solution does not function properly, teams are to troubleshoot before the next session.
- The minimum number of teams for each age group is 10 for judging to proceed; otherwise, age groups will be combined. E.g. If there are only 3 Tertiary teams, they will be judged together with the Secondary level teams.
Age Group Requirements
Primary (7 to 12 years old) If you are in this age group, you will need to explain how your robotic solution will address the problem statement(s) in food productivity, making it more weather resistant, more effectively distributed or more production efficient.
Secondary (13 to 16 years old) If you are in this age group, you will need to explain how your robotic solution will address the problem statement(s) in agriculture, showing how it can positively impact labourer’s lives.
Tertiary (17 to 19 years old) If you are in this age group, you will need to explain how your robotic solution will address the problem statement(s) and how it can become a reality. Describe what challenges must be overcome to make it feasible for widespread use in agriculture, or any other relevant industries.
4. Scoring Rubrics
4.1 For Online Submission
The online component evaluates the technical efficiency and logic demonstrated in the video submission:
- Mechanical Efficiency: Parts and energy are used efficiently; strong and sturdy – 5 marks
- Automation: Appropriate inputs from sensors – 5 marks
| Main Category | SubCategory / Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Problem & Concept Clarity (Total: 20) | ||
| Problem Definition: Clearly articulated and contextually justified. | 10 | |
| Concept Rationale: Logic behind the chosen solution is explained. | 10 | |
| 2. Engineering Design (Total: 30) | ||
| System Explanation: Architecture and algorithmic logic. | 10 | |
| Engineering Depth: Principles and technical reasoning. | 10 | |
| Design Trade-offs: Decisions and constraints discussed. | 10 | |
| 3. Demonstrated Functionality (Total: 20) | ||
| Clear Operation: Robot is visible and understandable. | 10 | |
| Task Completion: Full task is verifiable in recording. | 10 | |
| 4. Development & Reflection (Total: 15) | ||
| Iterative Development: Testing and refinement evidence. | 10 | |
| Challenge Analysis: Addressing technical challenges. | 5 | |
| 5. Communication & Production (Total: 15) | ||
| Structural Clarity: Logical flow of video. | 5 | |
| Visual Support: Diagrams, captions, and overlays. | 5 | |
| Delivery Quality: Clear and appropriately paced verbal explanation. | 5 |
4.2 For Onsite Submission
| Category | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Project (Total: 30) | ||
| Creativity: Original, innovative, and creative thinking. | 10 | |
| Quality of Solution: Effective and well-elaborated prototype. | 10 | |
| Limitations: Identifying and overcoming design limits. | 10 | |
| Programming (Total: 30) | ||
| Automation: Appropriate sensor use for routines. | 10 | |
| Good Logic: Reliable and efficient options. | 10 | |
| Readability: Easy to follow with variables and comments. | 10 | |
| Engineering Design (Total: 50) | ||
| Technical Understanding: Precise explanations of process. | 10 | |
| Engineering Concepts: Evidence of concept and part usage. | 10 | |
| Efficiency & Stability: Proper use of principles; sturdy build. | 10 | |
| Aesthetics: Professional look and unique design. | 10 | |
| Successful Demo: Prototype completes tasks repeatedly. | 10 | |
| Bonus Challenge: Single robot showcasing 2+ tasks. | 10 | |
| Presentation (Total: 40) | ||
| Communication: Concise, engaging, and fluent delivery. | 10 | |
| Quick Thinking: Ability to answer judge questions and solve issues. | 10 | |
| Entertainment Value: Maintains audience interest. | 10 | |
| Booth Design: "WOW" factor using sustainable materials. | 10 | |
| Learning Journey (Total: 10) | ||
| Learning Outcome: Evidence of internalized knowledge. | 5 | |
| Teamwork: Positive energy and cohesive contribution. | 5 |