In order to promote the innovative development of underwater intelligent robot technology, accelerate the cross integration of underwater intelligent equipment technology with other disciplines, and promote cooperation and exchange of underwater intelligent robot technology among countries, the 4th World University Underwater Robot Competition (WUURC) is now launched. The notice regarding the competition is as follows:
1. Competition Objective
The competition aims to inspire the cultivation of innovative talents and promote international university student exchanges, creating a platform for young students from China and abroad to exchange and interact with underwater intelligent robots, and inspiring the innovation enthusiasm of young students around the world.
2. Organizational structure
Hosted by:
The Chinese Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
Harbin Engineering University
MARINET
The Center for Robotics Development
Hainan Provincial Department of Education
Hainan Provincial Department of Science and Technology
Organizer:
Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City Management Bureau
Harbin Engineering University Sanya Nanhai Innovation and Development Base
3. Competition Schedule
Proposed for August 8-10, 2025 (any adjustments will be notified separately).
4. Track Settings and Participants
(1) Competition Tracks
The competition consists of three tracks: Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) track, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) track, and Creative Concept track. Each participating team selects the appropriate track according to the type of robot, technical parameters, and competition conditions. The AUV and ROV tracks are physical technology competitions, while the Creative Concept track is a creative design competition.
(2) Participants
The competition is open to students currently enrolled in universities and research institutes worldwide. Each institution can recommend an unlimited number of participating teams. For the AUV and ROV track, each team consists of 2-5 members, with no more than 3 instructors per team. For the Creative Concept track, each team shall not exceed 3 members, with no more than 2 instructors per team.
The same participating team can only choose to register for one of the tracks and cannot register simultaneously.
5. Participation Method
The venue for this competition is located in Sanya City, Hainan Province. The registration location will be notified separately.
The participating teams in AUV or ROV track competitions compete on-site in Sanya city. The participating teams in the creative concept track are required to submit corresponding design reports based on AUV/ROV operation requirements, reflecting the introduction and demonstration of creative design for underwater robots.
6. Awards
The competition rules will be released later. The competition selects the first, second, and third prizes based on the score, from high to low. The works of AUV and ROV tracks will be evaluated based on on-site operations, and the top three tracks will receive bonuses. The creative concept track works will be comprehensively evaluated based on the design report and defense performance submitted by the participating teams.
7. Registration and Other Matters
Please send the registration form (Attachment 1) and photos of the participating robots to the designated email address w2urc@hrbeu.edu.cn before May 4th. Please indicate the email subject as: XX University XX Track Team Name. After successful registration, the organizing committee will post the competition exchange group via email. Please invite each team captain to join the exchange group. The competition rules will be released on the official website later.
There is no registration fee for this competition. Domestic participating teams are responsible for their own transportation and accommodation expenses, while foreign teams may provide certain travel expenses support depending on the situation. Harbin Engineering University coordinates accommodation and meals arrangements, hotel information and dining methods will be notified separately.
8. Contact Information
Contact Person: Zhang Chenqi
Phone: 0451-82519724, 13796682806
Email: w2urc@hrbeu.edu.cn
Official Website: www.w2urc.org
