UPT / Faculty of Automation and Computers / Field robotics
Space Engineering Challenge 2026
From point clouds to pathfinding: conquer the cave.
Countdown to field day
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days remaining
This year's mission
Cave robotics with real-world constraints
The 2026 challenge transforms Romanesti Cave into a controlled field robotics environment. Teams must combine mapping, localization, perception, mechanical design, communication and operator decision support into one robust system.
Navigate using a point-cloud map
Use the official LiDAR / point-cloud scan for route planning, localization and mission strategy.
Use the LED constellation
Three primary-color ceiling lights act as a common visual reference for algorithms or human-assisted operation.
Collect objects on the cave floor
Gather as many table-tennis balls as possible within the fixed run time and return to the deposit area.
Recover the golden object
A special golden ball contains an NFC tag. Reading it adds an extra technical layer to the mission.
Roadmap
Key dates and preparation stages
Detailed registration dates will be published with the official call.
Registration opens
Teams submit administrative details and a short technical proposal.
Registration deadline
If more than 12 teams apply, teams may be selected based on eligibility and technical proposal quality.
Official technical package
The final point-cloud map and mission package are released to selected teams.
SEC 2026 field event
Check-in, robot verification, cave mission, presentations, debriefing and award ceremony.
Participation
High school and university teams
The competition is designed for ambitious robotics teams, from high school groups to bachelor-level university teams. Multidisciplinary engineering, software, electronics, mechanics and communication skills are encouraged.
High school section
Romanian high school students, with a declared affiliation and an adult mentor.
University section
Bachelor-level students from Romanian or international universities.
Expected scale
Up to 12 teams and approximately 48 participants, depending on logistics and final selection.
Base station allowed
Laptop or tablet-based command, control, telemetry and visualization are allowed under the regulation.
Partners and sponsors
Support real engineering education
SEC connects young technical teams with robotics, embedded systems, navigation, automation, hardware integration and field-testing practice.
Partner
Sponsor
Registration
Prepare your team for the cave mission.
The registration form collects team details, affiliation, mentor information and the initial technical proposal. If more teams apply than can be accommodated, selection will consider eligibility and proposal quality.