🤖 Robot Arm Challenge
Spring 2026 - Season 3
Master Random Bin Picking with AI & Robotics
This competition is supported by Tam Wing Fan Innovation Fund and Philomathia Foundation Innovation Fund
Join the Robot Arm Random Bin Picking ChallengeWelcome to the RAC Competition - Spring 2026
Tackle Real-world Engineering Challenges Build solutions that bridge the gap between software and the physical world by tackling one of the most challenging problems in industrial automation -- random bin picking.
Master Cutting-Edge Techniques Enhance your skills in robotics, computer vision, and AI through hands-on experience.
Meet like-minded! Build your network by collaborating and competing with peers.
Three Core Components to Master
1Robot Programming
Control the robot with Python
Learn to program industrial robot arms and create precise, repeatable movements.
- Python programming fundamentals
- Robot kinematics
- Safety and error handling
📚 Learning Resources:
2Hand-Eye Calibration
Coordinate the robot and camera
Master the critical skill of calibrating cameras with robot arms for precise vision-guided manipulation.
- Camera calibration techniques
- Coordinate system transformations
- Extrinsic parameter estimation
📚 Learning Resources:
3AI Object Detection
Implement intelligent vision systems
Use state-of-the-art AI models to detect, localize, and classify objects in cluttered environments.
- Deep learning for object detection
- CNN architectures (YOLO, R-CNN)
- Train your own detection models
📚 Learning Resources:
🎯 Competition Goals
The Ultimate Challenge: Create an autonomous system that can reliably sort random objects from a bin and place them in designated locations.
Evaluation Criteria: Speed and accuracy.
🏅 Awards & Recognition
What You'll Receive:
🎓 Certificate of Achievement - Official recognition of your accomplishment with LinkedIn posts
🔬 Direct Waitlist for InnoWing Student Research Assistantship! Fast-track opportunity to join our R&D team
🤖 Qualification to Use InnoWing Advanced Robot Arm - Induction training will be waived for you
💰 Cash Prize: HK$1,200 for the winner / winning team
Your hard work and innovation deserve recognition. These awards are designed to support your continued growth in robotics and AI!
👥 Team & Eligibility
Who Can Participate:
✓ Open to HKU students only (MSc and Undergraduate programs)
Team Formation:
✓ Maximum 3 members per team
✓ Solo participation is allowed
✓ We encourage team formation! Collaborate with peers to tackle the challenge together and learn from each other.
💡 Tip: Use our Discord and WhatsApp channels to find teammates with complementary skills!
📅 Competition Timeline
| Event | Content | Date |
|---|---|---|
| RAC Promotion starts | Teaching materials & competition rules released | Feb 6, 2026 |
| Sharing by the 2nd RAC Finalists |
Previous winners share their experiences: • How to approach the challenge • Common pitfalls and solutions • Advanced techniques Register |
Feb 13, 2026 |
| Robot Programming Workshop |
Self-learning workshop InnoWing SRAs will stand by and assist |
Feb 25, 2026 |
| Hand-Eye Calibration Workshop |
This workshop will be taught by Dr. Yang and Ian Hands-on calibration techniques for Click-and-Go demo |
Mar 4, 2026 |
| Help Desk Session | Open Q&A and troubleshooting for Hand-Eye Calibration Workshop | Mar 10, 2026 |
| Object Detection Workshop |
Self-learning workshop InnoWing SRAs will stand by and assist |
Mar 11, 2026 |
| Help Desk Session | Open Q&A and troubleshooting for Object Detection Workshop | Mar 12, 2026 |
| Final Challenge - Timeslot 1 |
Compete in your assigned timeslot Prerequisite: Click-and-Go demo submitted on Monday of this week |
Mar 18, 2026 |
| Final Challenge - Timeslot 2 |
Compete in your assigned timeslot Prerequisite: Click-and-Go demo submitted on Monday of this week |
Apr 1, 2026 |
| Final Challenge - Timeslot 3 |
Compete in your assigned timeslot Prerequisite: Click-and-Go demo submitted on Monday of this week |
Apr 15, 2026 |
| Awarding Ceremony | Distribute awards to new winners at InnoShow | Apr 30, 2026 |
💡 What You'll Learn
✓ Robot programming and control
✓ Computer vision and camera calibration
✓ Deep learning for object detection
✓ System integration and real-time processing
✓ Problem-solving in real-world, industrial robotics applications
📱 Join Our Community
Stay connected with fellow participants, get updates, and ask questions!
💬 Discord Channel
Join our Discord server for real-time discussions and support
Scan QR code or click below (To Be Released)
Join Discord (To Be Released)📱 WhatsApp Channel
Get instant updates and announcements on WhatsApp
Scan QR code or click below
Join WhatsApp🏆 Leaderboard - Since Fall 2025
🔥 Can You Break the Record? 🔥
Current Record: 11/16 objects in 5:00 minutes
Spring 2026 is YOUR chance to make history! Master the three core components, optimize your strategy, and claim your spot at the top of the leaderboard. Will you be the one to set a new benchmark?
💪 Accept the Challenge • Push Your Limits • Refresh the Leaderboard! 💪
| Rank | Team / Participant | Score | Time (sec) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Law Yin Ching Michael | 11/16 | 300 | 2025 Fall |
| 2 | Aaron Chris Dsouza Nivesh Dandyan |
9/16 | 300 | 2025 Fall |
| 3 | TBD | — | — | Upcoming |
| 4 | TBD | — | — | Upcoming |
| 5 | TBD | — | — | Upcoming |
Leaderboard will be updated after each final challenge timeslot
