THWS team makes a successful start at the World Robot Olympiad in the summer semester of 2026
Autonomous vehicles, intelligent sensor technology, and teamwork under time pressure – that is what the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) is all about. Every year, this international robotics competition inspires thousands of school pupils and students to take an interest in robotics, computer science, and engineering. For the first time, a team from the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) has now taken on this challenge in the demanding 'Future Engineers' competition category.
In the Future Engineers category, teams develop a fully autonomous vehicle that must complete a specified course without human intervention. In addition to driving performance, the vehicle's design, programming, and technical documentation are assessed in particular. The aim is to apply engineering methodologies in a practical context and to develop innovative solutions for complex technical tasks.
For the Center for Robotics (CERI) at THWS, taking part is a key element in enabling students to gain access to challenging robotics projects at an early stage. The project combines theoretical course content from the fields of electronics, embedded systems, sensor technology, and software development with a real-world engineering challenge. At the same time, the competition provides a platform for fostering teamwork, project management, and independent working under competitive conditions.
Challenging competition category
The THWS team, comprising international students Raghav Narendra Patil, Vineet Mukund Khare and Ichya Kandel, developed a fully autonomous robot within just a few weeks. "It is particularly remarkable that all three students are only at the start of their degree programmes and are already taking on one of the most challenging categories in robotics competitions," emphasises project supervisor Fabian Dax. The basis for the robot was a modified chassis with Ackermann steering for improved cornering, which was fitted with in-house developed electronics and various sensors. Using a camera and several ultrasonic sensors, the vehicle detects obstacles and navigates the competition course autonomously.
At the regional competition in Leonberg, the team was able to achieve remarkable results despite the short preparation time and gain valuable experience for future competitions. Building on these insights, the robot's software and hardware are to be further developed over the coming months.
"The World Robot Olympiad offers our students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge directly in a challenging practical project. This not only leads to innovative technical solutions but also helps develop key skills in the areas of teamwork, project organisation, and problem-solving," explains Professor Dr. Rainer Herrler, an expert in machine learning at CERI.
About THWS
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Bavaria and has driven teaching and applied research since it was founded in 1971. With about 9,200 students, a diverse range of more than 60 degree programmes and two graduate schools, THWS covers a broad spectrum from technology, economics and social sciences to languages and design. THWS is not only rooted in the region, but also has a strong international focus, which is reflected in numerous collaborations and exchange programmes worldwide and also in diverse English-taught degree programmes.
Contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Center for Robotics (CERI)
Fabian Dax
Ignaz-Schön-Str. 11
97421 Schweinfurt
Press contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Angela Kreipl
Münzstr. 12
97070 Würzburg
+49 931 3511-8354
