About us

The BotOlympics is the robotics competition at the University of Coimbra. It’s an educational and training event designed to introduce the fascinating world of robotics to curious minds.

The competition features three simultaneous challenges for students ranging from primary school to university. It takes place in a “hackathon-style” environment over four days, where participants must develop solutions to meet the goals of each challenge.

With such a wide age range of participants, BotOlympics is a unique competition in Portugal.

To ensure you have everything you need, you’ll have access to training sessions and all the materials required to enjoy the best experience possible. Plus, there will be lots of surprises waiting for you and a dynamic parallel program full of activities to make the most of your time.

ISR Challenge

This challenge is designed to inspire young beginners in robotics and programming. Using a simple and intuitive robotics kit—the MBot2—programmed with block-based coding, participants have everything they need to tackle exciting challenges like line-following and obstacle avoidance!

Bot’n Roll Challenge

This challenge is perfect for robotics and programming enthusiasts. Using the Bot’N Roll ONE A robot, programmed in C++ for Arduino, participants have all they need to complete tasks like line-following, wall-following, and object transportation. This year, we introduce an exciting new challenge: Robot Delivery!

FCTUC Challenge

This challenge is designed for those passionate about robotics and programming. Participants use a robot developed by the Robotics Club, programmed in C++ for Arduino, to tackle a thrilling new task based on maze-solving algorithms and natural navigation. This year’s highlight is the introduction of a new challenge: Cops and Robbers!

Location

These are the venues where the BotOlympics takes place

DEEC

The DEEC, located at Polo 2 of the University of Coimbra, is one of the 14 units of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FCTUC). It houses the local branches of CEMUC, INESC, ISR-UC, and IT. The event will mainly take place at the DEEC, with the exception of the final and some activities from the parallel program.

Alma Shopping

Alma Shopping, opened in 2005, is the second-largest shopping center in Coimbra, covering 40,000 m² and housing 114 stores. In 2006, it was awarded the Best Shopping Center in the World. It is known for its spacious central square, providing visibility from all floors and the main entrance. Since 2018, it has hosted the BotOlympics final, offering the public an experience in the field of robotics.

ORGANIZATION

Organizing Entities of BotOlympics

NEEEC/AAC

The Student Association of Electrical and Computer Engineering is an entity within the Academic Association of Coimbra. Its purpose is to represent students in the areas of pedagogy and career opportunities, organizing around one hundred activities each year.

CLUBE DE ROBÓTICA

The Robotics Club of the University of Coimbra, affiliated with the ISR – Institute of Systems and Robotics, is an organization that promotes discipline, creativity, personal achievement, and a self-taught, free learning approach for all ages and courses through robotics.