Robotics festival sparks global friendships

In a bustling hall filled with curious visitors, a humanoid robot carefully poured drinks with the poise of a seasoned bartender. Nearby, a fluffy, cat-sized companion robot was surrounded by fascinated students.

This was a scene from the second Pinghe Robotics Festival, held on July 4 at Shanghai Pinghe School. The event brought together more than 400 students from over 20 schools across countries and regions including China, the United States, Australia, and Turkiye.

The festival served as a follow-up to the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) championship held in Houston in April. It aimed to be a platform for young minds to exchange ideas and explore the frontiers of science and technology together.

Li Yiming, an 18-year-old Pinghe graduate and the leader of the school's engineering club, Volta Ultra, observed that this year's event featured a broader range of technologies than the previous year.

"The festival has become more diverse, including wearable robotics, aerospace engineering, racing, and astronomy," Li said. "It's no longer just about mechanics — it now embraces science and technology as a whole."

That variety was evident throughout the festival grounds, especially during the robotics carnival where companies exhibited their latest innovations.

Pan Xinyue, 17, a junior at Pinghe and moderator of the festival's opening ceremony, pointed out the presence of several high-profile exhibitors. Companies like Unitree Robotics showcased humanoid robots and robotic dogs, while Keenon Robotics demonstrated a humanoid robot that could mix drinks.

"It's incredible to see these robots in person," Pan said. "They're so much more lifelike and coordinated than what you see in videos."

She was especially struck by the emotional companion robots developed by Robopoet, which also proved popular among students. "The festival gave us a new perspective on the relationship between humans and robots — they're not here to replace us, but to improve our lives," she added.

Beyond displays and demos, the festival also emphasized hands-on learning. Li led a workshop where she demonstrated an electromagnetic launcher and guided younger students in building one themselves.

"Through the process of making the launcher, students can learn the basic principles of welding, followed by fundamental concepts in electromagnetism," she explained. "Learning isn't just about understanding theories — we also hope students can apply that knowledge to create things with their hands."

She was also impressed by the diversity of projects presented by other student clubs and teams.

"From a 3D-printed flying model by the Pinghe Aviation Club to a fully assembled race car displayed by Formula P, everyone brought their best work," she recalled. "I learned a lot just by visiting these clubs."

Shared innovation

That spirit of shared learning and collaboration was echoed by Zhang Jiaming, a graduate of the Minhang Zizhu Branch of the No 2 High School affiliated with East China Normal University. He is a member of Violet Z, a team that participated in the FRC Shanghai Regional in March.

Zhang highlighted the importance of "gracious professionalism", a core value of FRC that encourages teams to compete while also helping others succeed. "FRC is not just a robotics competition — it's an educational project that teaches students a positive spirit," he said. "The goal is to apply the skills and collaborative mindset gained through robotics to broader life challenges."

He noted that within the FRC community, participants often receive help with coding and can learn from a vast array of resources shared online — a testament to the culture of openness and support.

This inclusive ethos was also central to the international FRC forum held that afternoon.

The forum featured 17 speakers from nine cities — including Davis, Sydney, Istanbul, and Beijing — who shared insights on robot design, team dynamics, and operational challenges.

Among the speakers was Melih Sarica, an 18-year-old robotics enthusiast from Turkiye attending as an alumni representative of his team, Istanbul Wildcat. He praised the festival for providing a space where "teams can come together with a mutual goal to learn, share, and grow".

Sarica was particularly inspired by another team's creative use of VR goggles for autonomous navigation. "Sometimes, the simplest idea, such as mounting VR goggles on a robot, can lead to the most efficient solutions," he said.

He also appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with old friends at the Pinghe Robotics Club and foster lasting bonds. "Seeing my friends again, visiting their workshops, and witnessing their progress — it's like returning to where the magic happens," he said.

"The festival brings together teams from around the world, creating a friendly and supportive community," Sarica added. "This is the best example of how to bring people together with a shared goal. It's not just about winning and competing — it's about sharing ideas and learning from one another."

guojiatong@i21st.cn