The Automation and Robotics Laboratory of the UMinho School of Engineering took first place in the RoboCup@Home league at the 2026 National Robotics Festival, held from 23 to 25 April at the Municipal Pavilion in Barcelos, achieving a record number of points, despite the presence of foreign teams in the competition.

The team led by Professor Fernando Ribeiro – who is also president of the Portuguese Robotics Society – also brought demonstrations of humanoid robots playing football to the event. UMinho’s participation was supported by Botnroll, Spark Robotics, JEF, DigialSign and Booster Robotics.

The team surpassed national and international competitors, in a result that reflects “the consistent work developed over the last few months and the high technical level of students and researchers”. The competition was attended by foreign teams, reinforcing the degree of demand of the competition.

In addition to the victory, LAR achieved an unprecedented feat by becoming the team with the highest score recorded in a RoboCup Open competition in Europe in 2026, a milestone that underlines the quality of research and development in the area of robotics carried out by the institution.

Those responsible also highlight the role of the partners in the success achieved, considering their support “fundamental” for the results obtained. With this achievement, the team is already aiming for the next challenge: the RoboCup 2026, a world championship that will take place in Incheon, between June 30 and July 6.

To ensure the participation of seven students in the international competition, the group is currently raising sponsorships. “Motivation is higher than ever. We will continue to work to maintain this level of excellence and represent our colors”, they say.

Parallel to the competition, the laboratory also participated with a humanoid robot, starring in a robotic football demonstration, which captured the attention of the public present at the event

SOURCE: UMINHO e MAIS GUIMARÃES