Junior Division
Platinum
Title
Lightning-Protecting Faraday Cage Robot
Name
Miori Sakai, Miyu Sakai
Grade 3
Kanagawa(Japan)
パソコンスクールSmile
From the Winners
Miori:
It was my first time winning first place in Japan in the Junior Division Idea Contest! I was so happy that I could hardly believe it. I felt really nervous when filming the video.
I would be so glad if my Faraday Cage Robot, which protects people from lightning strikes, could one day help save many lives. From now on, I want to keep creating robots that are useful to people.
Miyu:
This was my first time entering the Idea Division of the Robot Contest. At first, I couldn’t decide what kind of robot to make, but after seeing a news report about lightning accidents, I wanted to help prevent those tragedies. That’s why I decided to make a Faraday Cage Robot.
I was nervous until I finished making it and filming the video. When the results were announced and I heard that I had won first place in Japan, I was so happy! I think the other projects were really great, too.
Gold
Name
Kazuma Tokunaga
Grade 2
Kanagawa(Japan)
パソコンスクールSmile
From the Winners
Thank you very much for selecting me for the Excellence Award.
Since it was my first time participating, I was really surprised — and so happy — when I saw my name announced in the results.
Last year, my older brother won an award in the Idea Contest, so this year I was determined to take part too.
I enjoyed every part of the process — making the project, taking photos, and filming the video.
Adjusting the DC motor to wind things up was tricky, and I had to redo it many times, but when it finally worked, I felt a great sense of accomplishment.
Thanks to my teachers who kindly supported me, I was able to keep going until the end.
From now on, I want to keep making and challenging myself with new creations — and I definitely want to join the Idea Contest again next year!
Silver
Title
Rescue! Disaster Robot
Name
Kei Yamada
Grade 3
Kanagawa(Japan)
パソコンスクールSmile
From the Winners
This time, I made a “Disaster Rescue Robot.”
Last year, I couldn’t win a prize, but this year I was really happy to win third place.
I went to the library to learn about the SDGs, and when I studied them, I realized how dangerous disasters can be. That’s when I decided I wanted to make a robot that could be useful in such situations.
But this award isn’t just because of my own efforts — I was able to win thanks to my teachers, who taught me so many things. Thank you very much.
Next, I want to study programming more and share my ideas with the world. I’ll keep working hard toward that goal.
Since I came in third place this time, my next goal is the world! I want to become the best in the world.
Because the Idea Contest is always related to the SDGs, I also want to keep learning about the SDGs in my everyday life.
Finalist
Title
Ocean Garbage Zero-kun
Name
Haru Izawa
Grade 3
Kanagawa(Japan)
パソコンスクールSmile
From the Winners
The part I worked hardest to improve in my robot was the block placed under the infrared photo reflector.
I added that block because my robot was designed to be used on sand, and if the sensor was tilted, it might react to the sand below. The block helps prevent that problem.
I was really happy and surprised to win a prize! This time I came in fourth place, so next year I want to enter the contest again and aim for first place.
It was my first time joining a competition like this, and I had so much fun!
Honorable Mention
Title
All-Purpose Rescue Robot – Saving People, Pets, and Fish from Disasters and Floods
Name
Koichi Masaoka
Grade 3
Hiroshima(Japan)
エデュパーク五日市校
From the Winners
Since Japan often experiences natural disasters, I decided to make this rescue robot.
Balancing the front and back of the robot was difficult and took a lot of effort, but I was really happy when I finally completed it and found out I had won an award.
I want to keep studying programming so that, one day, disaster rescue robots like this can actually be used in real life.
Regular Division
Platinum
Name
Sosei Mori
Grade 6
Osaka(Japan)
エジソンアカデミー高槻校
From the Winner
I’m very happy to have won first place, but more than anything, I’m really surprised.
There were many difficult and challenging moments, but I’m glad that my ideas and hard work paid off.
I’d like people to pay attention to the sound and the movement of the servo motors.
For the sound, I made it so you can tell each step as the robot walks, and I also changed the sounds for turning right and left.
For the servo motors, I adjusted them so the robot turns in the same direction it’s touched — to the right when touched on the right, and to the left when touched on the left.
Since this robot is meant to help people who are visually impaired, I wanted it to be something they could sense through their other five senses, not just sight.
I’m also very grateful to my teachers who supported and stayed with me throughout the summer vacation.
Gold
Title
A Home That Protects the Elderly from Heatstroke
Name
Sota Miyazaki
Grade 5
Saitama(Japan)
白岡カルチャースクール
From the Winners
I’m very happy and honored to have received the Excellence Award at the Universal Robotics Challenge 2025 Idea Contest, following the Japan preliminary round.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my teachers at the culture school, my family who always support me, and everyone involved in this wonderful event.
Programming has become even more enjoyable for me, so I want to keep learning and challenging myself in many new ways.
Silver
Name
SPARK KIDS
AHMAD FIRAS ASYRAF BIN MOHD NAZIR
FADHLAN RAYQAL ZIQRI BIN SYAMSULZAIDI
MUHAMMAD WAFIR DAYYAN BIN MUHAMAD AZHARI
Grades 4 to 6
Malaysia
SK TAMAN SERI GOMBAK 2
From the Winners
We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Tech Up for organizing this innovation competition, which provided a truly meaningful experience for our Year 4, 5, and 6 students. While working on the BinBot project, they not only learned about technology and how to use components such as sensors, motors, and programming, but also developed teamwork, creativity, and the courage to try new things.
This competition successfully sparked the students’ interest in STEM and robotics, while nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a passion for exploring the world of science and technology. Through this experience, they realized that the knowledge they gain in school can be applied to solve real-world problems — especially in promoting cleanliness and environmental sustainability.
Seeing their excitement as their ideas came to life was truly inspiring. Thank you, Tech Up, for being part of this fun and inspiring learning journey in nurturing a young generation that is creative, innovative, and technologically literate.
Finalist
Title
ETAG (EARTH TRACKER AND GUIDER)
Name
TBS TECHNO BOT
IZZ RAYYAN RIZQIN BIN LOQMAN HAKIM
AISA ROSE BINTI MOHD AFEZAL
MUHAMMAD FATEH BIN MUHAMMAD FIKRY
Grades 4 & 6
Malaysia
SK Tunku Besar Tampin
From the Winners
On behalf of Team TBS Techno Bot, we would like to express our deepest appreciation to our beloved school administration, our dedicated teacher mentors, and the wonderful team at Tech Up for giving us the valuable opportunity to participate in the Universal Robotic Challenge – Idea Challenge Category.
This journey has been truly meaningful and inspiring. We are proud to share that our team achieved Second Place at the National Level and was given the honour to represent Malaysia at the International Stage (online) in Japan under the same category. This achievement would not have been possible without the continuous guidance, encouragement, and trust from all who supported us.
To our teachers, thank you for your tireless effort, patience, and motivation. Your wisdom has shaped our growth not only as innovators but also as team players. To Tech Up, we are sincerely grateful for providing a platform that empowers young minds to explore creativity, technology, and global collaboration.
To our school, thank you for believing in us and for allowing us to carry the school’s name with pride and passion. We will continue to strive for excellence and bring honour to our school and country through innovation and teamwork.
Honorable Mention
Title
DYNAMIC LANE ALLOCATION SYSTEM
Name
ROBOTIC DREAMS JUNIOR
MUHAMMAD ARIFF NAWFAL BIN MOHAMMAD NAGUIB
SYED IRFAN ANAQI BIN SYED MUHAMMAD IZZAT
MUHAMMAD ARIF HAFIZ BIN RAMLI
Grades 5 & 6
Malaysia
SK SUNGAI UDANG, MELAKA
From the Winners
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Tech Up for organizing such a meaningful program and for the valuable opportunity given to the Robotic Dreams Junior team from SK Sungai Udang, Melaka to showcase their talent and potential in robotic innovation. This exposure is vital in nurturing students’ interest, creativity, and competitiveness in line with technological advancements. Through the program, students not only enhanced their technical skills in building and operating robots but also developed teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
We believe this experience will inspire them to continue exploring the world of science, technology, and innovation. The school deeply appreciates Tech Up’s dedication and commitment to supporting STEM education at the grassroots level.
We hope such collaborations will continue and benefit more students in the future. Once again, our heartfelt thanks to Tech Up for its invaluable contribution in nurturing a generation that is creative, innovative, and technologically literate.
Senior Division
Platinum
Name
Mira Preshuce Valentin
Tatianna Alysse Dee
Sean Joseph Liangco
Liam Jibriel Cubacub
Mateo Sebastian Dulatre
Grades 7 & 8
Philippines
Living Stone International School
From the Winner
We humbly dedicate Hiraya to those who may be losing hope. May it serve as a small light — a reminder that hope still lives within every Filipino heart. We offer it to the families who have been victims of calamities — of typhoons, floods, and earthquakes — praying that Hiraya may become a symbol of strength and faith in their journey to rebuild. Above all, we dedicate it to our Lord God, who has guided us every step of the way, and to our beloved country, the Philippines.
Our project began humbly in late July. With the guidance of our coach, we patiently built Hiraya step by step, always thinking of the people who might one day benefit from it. Every idea shared came from compassion and teamwork, made not for recognition but to serve and glorify God.
The name Hiraya was inspired by the challenges faced by our people — their resilience amid loss and hardship. Hiraya, meaning vision and hope, perfectly captured our purpose.
We, the Living Stone International School NEXUS Robotics Team, simply wish to be humble instruments of change. May Hiraya remind everyone that hope will always rise, even in the darkest times.
Gold
Name
A-tech Stem 2
LEUNG TAK KIU
TAM CHIN HANG
KAO KA LOK
Grades 8 to 9
Hong Kong (China)
Aberdeen Technical School
From the Winners
Facing Hong Kong's critical landfill overload crisis, we developed this intelligent waste management system that integrates robotic collection, AI sorting, and advanced incineration technology. Our design achieves complete waste sterilization with energy recovery, directly addressing multiple SDGs including Affordable Energy (SDG 7), Sustainable Cities (SDG 11), and Climate Action (SDG 13).
Winning the URC 2025 Robotic Award validates our team's innovation and perseverance. This achievement inspires us to further explore robotic applications in environmental protection, contributing our youthful energy to building cleaner cities for future generations.
Silver
Title
Automated Greenhouse Unit
Name
Daniel Johan Yeung
Kiro Miroslav Choa
Grade 8
Philippines
MGC New Life Christian Academy
From the Winners
On behalf of our team, MGCNL-Adv, we are truly honored to accept the 3rd Place award for the Idea Contest. When we were building our robot “Automated Greenhouse Unit”, and video editing, we never imagined that our ideas would reach this stage. We had so much fun building our robot. For us, this achievement is not just about robotics technology. In this contest, we had the opportunity to develop teamwork, perseverance. It reinforced our belief that innovation begins with curiosity.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Artec, organizers of the Idea Robotics Contest, our mentors, school officials, and families for their guidance and encouragement. Every challenge we faced taught us to collaborate better, think creatively, and push beyond what we thought was possible.
To all young innovators, let this be an inspiration: keep experimenting, keep dreaming, and never stop building solutions that can make a difference.
Thank you very much!
Finalist
Title
BLUE SHIELD – “Tsunami, Go Back!”
Name
Kaede Moriki
Grade 7
Japan(Osaka)
うつぼキッズ
From the Winners
I’m truly honored to have received an award at the URC World Robot Contest, a competition I’ve been challenging myself to enter every year.
When I first thought about this year’s Idea Contest theme, “SDG 11: Building safe, disaster-resilient cities where everyone can live securely,” I immediately wanted to create a system that could protect towns and people from the disasters we often face in Japan — especially earthquakes and tsunamis.
Ever since I was little, whenever I saw news about earthquakes or tsunamis, I used to imagine ways to somehow stop them. One of those ideas was to send strong waves to counter and weaken the force of a tsunami.
Being able to turn that childhood imagination into a real robot through this opportunity — and even have it recognized — means a great deal to me.
Of course, I know that realizing such a system in real life would be difficult, but I want to keep exploring ideas that could help people live safely and peacefully every day.
Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my programming teachers for their guidance, and to my family for their constant support. Thank you very much.
Kaede Moriki
Honorable Mention
Title
House Collapse & Tsunami Protection System
Name
Hiroki Miyajima
Grade 9
Japan(Kanagawa)
パソコンスクールSmile
From the Winners
Although I participated in the URC World Competition both the year before last and last year, I wasn’t able to achieve any results. That’s why I’m especially happy that this year I was able to place fifth.
I’m glad I could finish my final challenge on such a high note.
From the Judges
Taizo Hayama, Nara University of Education Junior High School
This year, the Idea Contest was held under the theme “SDGs 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.” Many unique and creative disaster-prevention robots were submitted. In both the elementary and junior-high divisions, we saw numerous innovative ideas that even adults would never have imagined. Once again, we were reminded of the remarkable flexibility and creativity of children.
At the venue of the Robot Competition finals, children from various countries who had developed robots for the Idea Contest were giving presentations in person. Their confidence and enthusiasm as they presented in English left a deep impression on me. I was truly inspired by the depth of learning, presentation skills, and communication abilities demonstrated by children from around the world.
The educational essence of the Idea Contest reflects the core principles of advanced STEAM education practiced globally. I have great expectations that the children who took part in this contest will continue to further develop their problem-solving skills, creativity, and innovative thinking.