- ABB RoboCup’s first-ever global edition saw student teams from five countries compete for the global title
- More than 250 students competed in the live finale in Bergamo, Italy, taking on real-world robotics challenges using ABB’s advanced technology and tools
- Italy takes the title in the first global event, marking another milestone in ABB’s drive to close the education gap in robotics and automation
On May 21st, the ABB RoboCup 2025 wrapped up with a high-energy finale that showcased the talent, creativity, and ambition of the next generation of automation leaders. This year’s edition marked a major milestone: for the first time, the competition welcomed international teams, expanding the reach of the RoboCup event and ABB’s leadership in robotics education.
“Inspiring the next generation of innovators is one of our most important roles as a robotics leader,” said Marc Segura, President, ABB Robotics. “With the ABB RoboCup, we’re giving students real-world access to the tools, technologies and experiences that will empower them to shape the future – because preparing talent today is how we’ll solve the challenges of tomorrow.”
The 2025 ABB RoboCup kicked off with more than 850 students from 58 Italian schools, along with international teams from France, Spain, India, and China, taking part in the early stages of the competition. Through a series of qualifying challenges, these students demonstrated their knowledge and skills in robotics, simulation, and automation.
Following the initial rounds, 250 finalists were selected to participate in the live finale event in Bergamo, held across three key innovation hubs: Confindustria Bergamo – Kilometro Rosso, Fondazione Dalmine, and the Seminario Vescovile di Bergamo. There, students tackled real-world tasks using ABB robots (GoFa™, IRB 120, and IRB 1200), RobotStudio® simulations, and theory-based quizzes – showcasing not only technical excellence but also teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking.
Standing out above the rest was Italy’s secondary school IIS Alessandro Volta - Pescara, who achieved the highest overall score in the first-ever ABB RoboCup Global Edition, competing against top student teams from around the world. A major win for Italy, claiming the inaugural global title on home ground.
Now in its latest evolution, ABB’s RoboCup has grown year on year – from a national initiative into a global program aimed at inspiring students through hands-on learning and direct engagement with industry. Since its launch in 2018, the competition has become a powerful platform for bridging the gap between education and the workplace, offering more than 2800 students a chance to experience the challenges and opportunities of automation and digital transformation.
The 2025 edition builds on this legacy, scaling new heights with its first international cohort and setting the stage for even broader collaboration in the years to come. Backed by a strong network of companies, institutions, and innovation centers, the RoboCup continues to be a central part of ABB’s mission to close the education gap in robotics and help students develop the skills they need to thrive in new age of automation and artificial intelligence.
For more information visit: go.abb/robotics-education
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation as one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers, is the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, Autonomous Mobile Robots and machine automation solutions, designed and orchestrated by our value-creating software. We help companies of all sizes and sectors - from automotive to electronics and logistics – to outperform by becoming more resilient, flexible and efficient. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation supports customers in the transition towards the connected and collaborative factory of the future, operating leaner and cleaner for a better future. The business area employs approximately 11,000 people at over 100 locations in approximately 53 countries. go.abb/robotics
