Hundreds of students from 22 schools across Western Australia converged on Murdoch University’s Boola Katitjin for the RoboCup Junior State Event, to showcase their talents in robotics, engineering and artificial intelligence.

Held across two days, the event featured a range of challenges and competitions including rescue line and rescue maze events, robotic soccer matches, and creative OnStage performances, giving students the opportunity to apply their STEM knowledge in a practical and fun environment.

RoboCup Junior is an international educational initiative designed to introduce primary and secondary students to robotics and STEM. The program goes beyond technical skills, encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, sportsmanship and collaboration.

Professor Caroline Jacobson, Dean of Agricultural Science at Murdoch University, said the event demonstrated the extraordinary passion and capability of young people engaging with technology and STEM.

“It was fantastic to see students bring their creativity, technical skills and enthusiasm to our campus for the RoboCup Junior State Event,” Professor Jacobson said.

“The collaboration and innovation on display throughout the weekend was exceptional. These capabilities are increasingly important across a wide range of careers, from agriculture to health, environmental management, the resources sector and advanced technology industries.

“Opportunities like RoboCup for young people to explore technology in a hands-on and engaging way helps build both the passion and skills needed to tackle future challenges and contribute to Western Australia’s innovation ecosystem.

“The response from students, teachers and families has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are proud to have partnered with RoboCup Junior WA to host such a successful event. Thank you to everyone who was involved.”

Murdoch University welcomed competitors, teachers, families and volunteers to campus on 22 August 2026 and 23 August 2026, with Boola Katitjin providing a vibrant setting for event.