Kwangwoon University, led by President Yoon Do-young, has officially confirmed that the 2027 RoboFest World Championship, one of the world’s leading autonomous robotics competitions, will be held in Seoul from May 28 to 31, 2027.
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Lawrence Technological University (LTU) in the United States last May, which officially secured Seoul as the host city, Kwangwoon University has now finalized the competition dates and begun preparations in earnest to create a global stage that will bring together robotics talent from around the world.
■ A Global Competition Held in the U.S. for 28 Years Comes to Korea for the First Time
Since its establishment in 1999, RoboFest has grown into a major international robotics competition centered in the United States. In 2027, however, participants from around the world will travel not to the U.S., but to Seoul, South Korea, and Kwangwoon University. For the first time in its 28-year history, RoboFest will cross the Pacific and expand beyond its traditional U.S. base.
The Seoul edition is expected to mark a major turning point in RoboFest’s evolution into a truly global competition beyond the United States. It will also provide an opportunity to showcase Korea’s strengths in robotics and AI education to the world.
■ ‘Nowon AI & Robotics Future Education Vision Declaration and Community Festival’ to Promote Regional and Industry–Academia Collaboration
Kwangwoon University’s vision for May 2027 extends well beyond the university campus. To ensure the successful hosting of RoboFest in Seoul and strengthen its connections with the local community, Kwangwoon University plans to hold the “Nowon AI & Robotics Future Education Vision Declaration and Community Festival” this October.
The event will bring together local government officials from Seoul, Nowon-gu, and Seongbuk-gu, presidents of universities in the Nowon area, representatives from educational and research institutions, local residents, and students. Participants will discuss ways to build a regional AI and robotics education ecosystem centered around RoboFest 2027 and strengthen collaboration among participating institutions. The university also plans to use the competition as an opportunity to connect the educational and research infrastructure of the university with that of the local community and expand collaboration into areas such as AI and robotics education for young people, hands-on experiences for citizens, inter-university exchanges, and global talent exchange.
RoboFest’s open platform, which is not tied to any particular technology or platform, is also expected to create new opportunities for industry participation. Companies will be able to showcase technologies such as AI semiconductors, robot operating systems (OS), sensors, motors, and autonomous driving solutions through the robotics competition, while directly engaging with the next generation of AI and robotics talent gathered from around the world. Kwangwoon University plans to develop the Seoul edition beyond a conventional robotics competition into a global industry–academia collaboration platform where cutting-edge technologies and future talent can connect and grow together.
■ Countdown Begins for the 2027 RoboFest World Championship
With the competition dates now confirmed, Kwangwoon University will accelerate preparations across all aspects of the event, including venue configuration, detailed competition operations, participant support, and partnerships with domestic and international institutions and companies. As an international competition expected to attract participants from around the world, the university will develop comprehensive plans not only for smooth competition operations but also to ensure that participants leave with memorable experiences of Seoul and Kwangwoon University.
Yoon Do-young, President of Kwangwoon University, said, “May 2027 will mark the beginning of a new chapter in RoboFest’s 28-year history. As the RoboFest World Championship will be held outside the United States for the first time, here in Seoul and at Kwangwoon University, we will create a stage where future robotics talent from around the world can showcase their skills, learn from one another, and grow together.” He added, “We will prepare for the event as an international technology and education festival where education, research, industry, and future generations come together, showcasing not only Kwangwoon University’s capabilities but also Korea’s strength in robotics to the world.”
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