ROBOTRACE is developing an international 5 km humanoid robotics endurance challenge designed to test autonomous locomotion, navigation, reliability and energy management on natural beach terrain.
The proposed inaugural event is being considered for Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia, alongside other potential domestic and international host destinations.
This document outlines a preliminary competition format for a proposed field of 15 humanoid robotics teams from major manufacturers and 5 teams from universities, start-ups and inventors. Manufacturers, universities, research institutions and independent robotics teams are invited to review the specifications and contribute recommendations before the rules, course and venue are finalised.
01 Who Can Enter
Robot Type: Bipedal humanoid robots only. Robots must walk or run on two legs. Wheels, tracks and quadrupedal locomotion are not permitted.
Size and Weight: No minimum or maximum dimensions are currently proposed. Design freedom is encouraged, subject to safety requirements.
Task Focus: Autonomous locomotion, navigation and endurance. No object manipulation or hand-based tasks are required.
Control: Robots must operate autonomously using onboard sensors and computing. Remote piloting or external movement commands are prohibited during competition.
Emergency Control: Remote emergency-stop systems are mandatory and exempt from the prohibition on remote control.
02 The Course
Total Race Distance: 5 kilometres.
Circuit: Approximately 500 metres per lap, consisting of an elliptical beach circuit extending approximately 250 metres along the shoreline.
Number of Laps: 10.
Surface: A proposed combination of approximately 60% packed sand and 40% loose sand, subject to site conditions and technical review.
Gradient: Predominantly flat.
Technical Challenges:
- Soft sand locomotion
- Uneven terrain and shallow depressions
- Low fixed obstacles and step-overs
- Autonomous navigation through designated course markers
- Sustained endurance over the full race distance
Obstacle dimensions and configurations will be determined in consultation with participating manufacturers and robotics specialists.
Water Crossings: None.
Spectator Viewing: The compact circuit is intended to provide continuous visibility from spectator grandstands and broadcast camera positions.
03 Pit Lane
A designated pit lane will be positioned adjacent to the circuit and spectator viewing area.
Battery Changes: Battery replacements will be permitted throughout the competition.
Pit Stop Duration: A proposed maximum service time of 180 seconds per stop, with penalties for exceeding this period, subject to technical consultation.
Race Timing: The competition clock will continue running during pit stops.
Minor Maintenance: Teams may clean sensors, tighten fasteners, cool actuators, use compressed air to clean joints and perform minor adjustments.
Major Repairs: Permitted repairs and component replacement rules will be established in consultation with participating teams.
Falls and Recovery: Robots are encouraged to recover autonomously after falling. Manual assistance may be permitted subject to time penalties.
04 Safety
Safety requirements will be developed in consultation with qualified robotics specialists, event safety professionals and participating manufacturers.
Emergency Stops: Each robot must carry an accessible emergency-stop mechanism and an independent remote shutdown capability.
Spectator Protection: Physical barriers and appropriate separation distances will protect spectators and event personnel.
Battery Safety: Designated pit facilities will incorporate appropriate battery handling, charging and fire-safety procedures.
Technical Inspection: All competing robots will undergo safety and compliance inspection before entering the circuit.
05 How the Winner Is Decided
Overall Winner: The robot completing the full 5 km course in the shortest corrected time, including applicable penalties, will be declared the winner.
Proposed Prize Money and Podium Awards
Subject to securing a title sponsor, ROBOTRACE proposes a total cash prize pool of AUD $1,750,000, distributed as follows:
The Mars, Moon and Earth trophies will be specially commissioned, symbolic works of art.
All cash prizes are provisional and conditional upon title sponsorship funding, final event approval and published competition terms. No prize payments are guaranteed until formally confirmed.
Additional Technical Recognition: The Technical Panel may recognise outstanding achievements in autonomy, energy efficiency and mechanical reliability, subject to agreed judging criteria.
06 Independent Technical Panel
An independent Technical Panel is proposed to assist in establishing final competition rules, technical compliance standards and judging procedures.
The panel will oversee technical inspections, competition compliance, race results and awards determination.
Verification may include race video, pit lane timing and limited compliance data agreed with participating teams.
Manufacturers will not be required to disclose proprietary engineering designs, software or commercially sensitive technical information.
07 Tech Walk Expo — Business Meets the Future
Running alongside ROBOTRACE, the TECH WALK EXPO is proposed as a major international business-to-business (B2B) and consumer technology exhibition, bringing together humanoid robotics manufacturers, industry leaders, researchers, investors and the general public.
The Expo will provide participating manufacturers and teams with a dedicated exhibition presence, creating opportunities to showcase their technology beyond the competition itself.
Business-to-Business Opportunities
The Expo will provide a platform for manufacturers to meet potential customers, distributors, commercial partners, investors and representatives from industries exploring the deployment of humanoid robotics.
Consumer Engagement
Visitors will have the opportunity to see humanoid robots up close, meet the teams developing them, experience demonstrations where practical, and discover how robotics and embodied artificial intelligence may transform everyday life.
Team Exhibition Spaces
Dedicated exhibition spaces are proposed for the 20 participating teams, comprising 15 major manufacturers and five university, start-up or independent inventor teams.
Manufacturer Branding
Participating manufacturers and teams will have the opportunity to prominently display their brands, products and technologies within the TECH WALK EXPO.
Branding arrangements for robots competing in ROBOTRACE, including the use of manufacturer logos, team colours and identification numbers, will be determined in consultation with participating manufacturers before the final competition regulations are established.
International Technology Showcase
The Expo is intended to become a meeting point for robotics innovation, commercial partnerships, public engagement and international media coverage.
Together, ROBOTRACE and the TECH WALK EXPO will combine a technically demanding competition with a major public showcase of the future of humanoid robotics.
08 Have Your Say
ROBOTRACE is intended to be a serious, internationally relevant demonstration of humanoid robotics capabilities.
We recognise that the manufacturers and researchers developing these technologies are best positioned to advise on achievable performance standards, appropriate technical challenges and fair competition rules. Rapidly evolving technology and progress in this field may change significantly by mid-2028.
We welcome constructive feedback on the proposed race distance, course configuration, autonomy requirements, battery management, safety procedures and competition format.
Technical enquiries, recommendations and expressions of interest to participate: