Università degli Studi dell'Aquila crowned winner of 2026 ABB ROBOTSTUDIO® CUP

Università degli Studi dell'Aquila, Italy, named World Champion in Robotics Education at second edition of ABB Robotics’ flagship global education initiative

Worldwide student teams joined finals in Bergamo, Italy to solve real‑world automation challenges
Università degli Studi dell'Aquila, Italy, was today crowned winner of the 2026 ABB RobotStudio® Cup, ABB Robotics’ flagship global education competition. The second edition of the contest saw teams of students from around the world competing for the title of ‘World Champion in Robotics Education’, with the finals held in Bergamo, Italy.

“Supporting the next generation of innovators and STEM learning is core to our mission at ABB Robotics,” said Marc Segura, President, ABB Robotics. “The growing role of automation and artificial intelligence is already changing how we work. To benefit, it is vital that people have the skills and knowledge to embrace this exicting transformation. We’re committed to nurturing future automation talent, and the level of skills demonstrated at this year’s event shows just how important this next generation will be in shaping the future of robotics – and in transforming how we work.”
Four finalist teams, from China, Spain, Czech Republic and Italy, competed in a series of challenges based on real-world problem-solving, using industrial-grade robotics tools, designed to test advanced robot programming skills. Tasks included intelligent parts sorting, precise palletizing and collision-free mobile route planning.

Four finalist teams, from China, Spain, Czech Republic and Italy competed in a series of challenges based on real-world problem-solving, using industrial-grade robotics tools, designed to test advanced robot programming skills. Tasks included intelligent parts sorting, precise palletizing and collision-free mobile route planning.

All the exercises required the use of RobotStudio, ABB Robotics’ simulation and offline programming software suite, paired with an ABB IRB 1100 robot. Together, these highlight the increasing importance of virtual simulation in the design, test and commissioning of precision robotic processes.