Tasks and rules for the 2025 season
All questions about the tasks and rules for the 2025 season are displayed here. We recommend that you keep checking back here, as the FAQs are assumed to be known for the competitions!
RoboMission
The new season will see some technical changes to the general regulations. Please take a good look at them.
Note: this is an excerpt from the new rules for RoboMission. The complete set of rules with further important rule changes compared to the previous year will be published together with the 2025 competition tasks on January 15. You can definitely expect the following news:
- Lego robots are no longer the only ones allowed.
- The robotic system can be chosen freely.
- In order to be able to check the robots better on the day of the competition, each team must submit a technical summary of its own robot (robot profile) in advance. The robotics set, sensors, actuators and other systems used are specified.
- As in previous years, the same size restriction applies: a robot may not exceed the dimensions 250 mm x 250 mm x 250 mm (including cable).
- As the robots no longer have to be assembled on the day of the competition, the schedule also changes. This will be published at least two weeks before the respective Regional Competition.
- Qualification for the Swiss final is based on an overall ranking of all Regional Competitions. The WRO Switzerland OC reserves the right to change the mode.
- The qualified teams will be published on the homepage and informed personally by Monday, May 26, 2025 at the latest.
What materials can be used to build robots?
The robot may be built from any materials and components as long as the following criteria are met:
| Total weight | ≤ 1.5 kg |
| Battery | ≤ 8 000 mAh The manufacturer’s instructions and specifications for the use of batteries must be followed. Self-made batteries and Li-Po batteries are not permitted. |
| Voltage of the electrical components | ≤ 18 V |
| Amperage | ≤ 5A |
| Start and stop button | One (1) obviously recognizable button is required to start and stop the robot. This means that the same button that is used to start the robot is also used to stop the robot. The start and stop buttons must be located on the outside of the robot (not underneath) and must be easily recognizable and accessible. A physical button is preferable to a button on a touchscreen. If the button is pressed during the run, any movement must be stopped immediately. Exception: The separate stop button on the EV3 may also be used to stop a program. |
| Sensors | In general, there are no restrictions on the type or number of sensors, but some sensor types are restricted to certain age groups. The use of cameras is restricted to the age groups Junior and Senior. The use of LIDAR and other 3D scanners is restricted to the age group Senior. |
| Motors | There are no restrictions on the type of motors. The number of motors is limited in the various age categories as follows: Elementary4 motors Junior: 5 motors Senior6 motors |
| Wheels and tracks | All types of wheels (including omni wheels) or tracks can be used. They must be designed in such a way that the playing field mat is not damaged. In particular, pointed and metallic contact surfaces are prohibited. The wheels must not leave any sticky material on the playing field mat. |
| Mechanical components (risk of injury) |
Mechanical components must be designed in such a way that they do not pose a risk of injury. Robots that pose a risk of injury must be changed without discussion at the request of the judges or will be excluded from the competition. |
| Electrical and electronic components (risk of injury) |
Electrical and electronic components must be designed in such a way that they do not pose a risk of injury. Robots that pose a risk of injury will be excluded from the competition. Modifications are only permitted if there is no risk of injury to the participants. |
| Gases | Only atmospheric air may be used. All other gases are not permitted. |
| Liquids | No liquids may be used. This also applies to oil or other lubricants. |
| Spray bottles / aerosol bottles | It is not permitted to use spray bottles with liquids or gases. This applies in particular to cooling spray/ice spray and lubricants. |
| Pneumatic systems | Pneumatic systems can be used. They can be filled by the robot itself after the start or manually before the start. The maximum pressure must not exceed 3 bar. If the system is specified for a lower pressure, this specification applies as the upper limit. The maximum volume for tanks in the system is 150 ml. A compressor for the pneumatic system counts as a motor. |
| Hydraulic systems | Hydraulic systems are not permitted. |
| Fragile materials | Do not use materials that can easily break into many pieces or that leave dangerous edges after breaking, such as glass. |
| 3D-printed materials | 3D-printed materials and parts can be used. 3D printing during the competition is not permitted. |
| Laser | The use of lasers is restricted to lasers that do not pose a safety risk (≤ Class 1M). A certificate is required stating that the laser is safe for the eyes. |
| Important note and FAQs | If a team brings radically new ideas to the RoboMission category that are very different from the old approaches, these should be discussed with the National Organizer/Chief Judge (or they should clarify them with the WRO Association). There will be updates and additions to this table in the FAQs. Check these regularly: https://wro.swiss/faq-de/ |
Can I continue to take part in the RoboMission competitions with my robot (Lego Spike Prime or EV3) from previous years?
Yes, participation with robots from previous years is very possible. The new specifications were developed with the aim of enabling LEGO robots to continue to participate competitively. However, the new rules need to be examined in detail. For example, the number of motors is limited to 4 in the Elementary age group, 5 in Junior and 6 in Senior. In the past, only the number of ports represented a maximum limit.
Future Innovators
Future Engineers
WRO Starter
Registration
It is our wish that at least 6 teams per location in each category register for a competition. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always work out, and then we work with our regional partner to figure out how to deal with it.
Age groups or competitions under 4 teams do not usually take place. Here we try to transfer teams to other competitions in the vicinity. If a team is unable to re-register (e.g. due to scheduling problems or long travel distances), it can cancel its registration and receive a refund of the registration fee.
The situation directly after the registration deadline is always decisive for these considerations. The following therefore always applies during the registration phase: If in doubt, always register first!
The WRO is open to all children and young people – boys and girls – between the ages of 6 and 19 who come together in teams of 2 or 3. It does not have to be a school team.
No, when registering, the team is guaranteed a starting place in the respective category. All you have to do is specify at which location and in which age group the team should compete.
The exact names and dates of birth of the participants must be entered by the end of the registration period on March 15. Our online system automatically reminds you of this.
If a competition in a category is already fully booked, try to switch to another competition nearby first.
If this is not possible, please contact Markus from our organization team. They can discuss with our regional partner whether a space can still be created. As a rule, you will receive a response within 48 hours.
No, a participant can only take part in one team in one category.
This allows participants to focus on one task and achieve the best results.
A registration fee of CHF 100 per team must be paid at the time of registration. This fee includes the playing field mat (worth approx. CHF 68) and, for teams taking part for the first time, the Lego sets for the playing field objects.
As we want to keep the barriers to participation in our competitions as low as possible, the registration fee will be refunded after participation in a regional competition. We have decided to go down this route instead of simply waiving participation fees because we want to avoid teams simply registering but then not taking part. After all, our regional partners have a lot of organizational and financial work to do to stage the competitions, and the number of places is limited. We believe that this variant leads to greater commitment and still keeps the hurdles low.
In addition to the registration fee, there are further costs for the teams:
In particular, a Lego robotics set is required. This can be purchased in retail outlets, e.g. from our partner Educatec. And WRO Switzerland offers inexpensive sets for rent in its web store.
Each team is responsible for its own travel costs to and from the competitions. However, there is a hardship fund that can be used to provide a subsidy for travel and accommodation costs in justified individual cases.
Every now and then a coach or team asks whether people can take part in an age group for which they are still too young. This may be because the desired team colleagues are older, or a participant thinks that the task of the higher age group is easier.
However, the age limits make sense, as the teams should compete with people of the same age as far as possible. It is therefore not possible for a team to participate in an age group if none of the team members have reached the lower limit. If an individual team member is too young, exceptions are possible, but such a team cannot then qualify for the international competitions, as the age limits are strictly adhered to there.
Competitions
Information on the qualification of the teams can be found on the Swiss finals page. The qualification can change from year to year.
These are the qualification rules for 2024:
Yes, we are happy to welcome visitors! All our competitions can be attended free of charge.
The venue, including travel information, will be published on the information page of the respective competition.
The number of teams allowed to participate in the WRO World Final is determined by the qualification tables of the international WRO organization. This depends on how many teams have registered with us in the respective competition categories.
The winners and runners-up of the Swiss final in the RoboMission category in the Elementary, Junior and Senior age groups can currently qualify for the world final.
The best team in the Future Innovators category can now also qualify for the world final, provided at least 5 teams take part in this category.
There is no world final for the starter category.
Based on the international qualification table, we were allowed to send 3 teams (2 per age group) to the World Final at the WRO 2023.
We always qualify the maximum possible number of teams available to us in our categories based on this table.
No, there are enough competition and practice tables available at the competition.
Please refrain from bringing your own competition tables. As a rule, there is not enough space at the competitions to set up your own tables.
The same applies to playing field mats.
Yes, if the team coach is unable to attend on the day of the competition, another adult can take over the supervision of the team. In an emergency, a team can also compete without a team coach. However, this is not advisable.
In such a case, please notify us of the change, thank you
A WRO competition is an all-day event. Roughly speaking, you can expect the race to run from around 7.30 am (opening) to around 5.30 pm (award ceremony).
The exact schedule can be found in the competition schedule, which is published on the information page of the respective competition a few weeks before the event.
This means that the hub/controller must be installed in such a way that
- the teams can easily reach the buttons for the start and for a possible stop during the scoring run.
- the referees can see that only the permitted programs are on the controller/hub without having to lift the robot.
The controller can be positioned at the top, side, front or rear, but not in such a way that you have to lift the robot to reach the buttons and the display/light matrix.
Every now and then a coach or team asks whether people can take part in an age group for which they are still too young. This may be because the desired team colleagues are older, or a participant thinks that the task of the higher age group is easier.
However, the age limits make sense, as the teams should compete with people of the same age as far as possible. It is therefore not possible for a team to participate in an age group if none of the team members have reached the lower limit. If an individual team member is too young, exceptions are possible, but such a team cannot then qualify for the international competitions, as the age limits are strictly adhered to there.
The random placement of the objects is announced when the robots are in the robot parking lot, i.e. after the construction phase is over. This can take place at the same time as the robot check, or afterwards. This placement then applies to all teams.
In some competitions, especially the Swiss final, this ranking is drawn by lot on site or determined by a random generator, while in other competitions the referees receive it from the competition management in a sealed envelope that is only opened after the end of the construction phase. In no case do teams know the randomizations in advance. Theoretically, it is possible for the same placement to be drawn twice.
Which objects are placed randomly and which are not is specified in the task for the respective age group. Using Elementary as an example, this means that two red and two yellow vegetable objects are always in the same place, while the other two red and two yellow vegetable objects are repositioned before each scoring round.
Reference: General rules and regulations, rule 8.3.7.
FAQ for coaches and teachers
The team should first familiarize themselves with the robot without looking at the competition tasks. This includes the use of sensors and how the robot can best drive. Can it follow a black line and drive across the game field with the gyro sensor? Both are very useful skills that will certainly be needed!
The task is then studied and the LEGO models (“objects”) belonging to the task are assembled. You can now consider how the robot must be designed so that it can move the objects correctly and reliably (pushing? lifting? that depends on the task!). The team should now construct a prototype of this robot.
Then you think about it: What are the simplest subtasks? Which ones score the most points? Most teams do not manage to solve all subtasks within the allotted 120 seconds. That’s why a bit of strategy is needed here: driving to safety and therefore scoring few points, but having them safely? Or would you rather take risks in the hope of scoring more points, but also run the risk of something not working out? The team has to find out among themselves…
As the competition approaches: test, test, test! Don’t add much more, but rather make sure that what you have already achieved works reliably. Also test the different starting positions, as the objects are randomly placed on the playing field. Testing is not exciting, but it is necessary in order to find any errors. You can also take care of the speed. By now at the latest, the general rules and regulations should also be thoroughly studied so that there are no unpleasant surprises on the day of the competition.
Finally: Memorize the robot! Take a photo or use Stud.io (Lego design software from bricklink.com) to create instructions, and then disassemble and reassemble until you no longer need the instructions! Instructions are not permitted in the competition, after all. What is allowed are numbered bags in which the parts are strategically sorted.
And then: if possible, do the final training sessions under competitive conditions. The coach stays outside, the cell phone is switched off and the computer is in airplane mode. The team tries to do everything themselves, without help and without instructions.
The team needs:
- Regular time for training. It is best to schedule a fixed appointment every week where all team members can be present.
- A LEGO robotics set (SPIKE Prime, Mindstorms Robot Inventor or Mindstorms EV3).
WRO Switzerland offers sets for rent at a reasonable price. - A computer or tablet on which the app belonging to the respective robotics set is installed. The system requirements must be observed.
- Enough space for the playing field (approx. 1.3m x 2.3m)
- Lego bricks to build the models for the competition task (these can be ordered when registering for the competition or in our webshop).
- Recommended: a measuring tape.
It is also recommended to have a table for the playing field. Building instructions are available on the website. If this is not possible for space reasons, we recommend at least making a frame for the playing field from a few slats, which can be easily screwed together and taken apart. Boards around the playing field are very useful because you can align a robot with them, for example, so that the driving angle is correct…
Otherwise, you need patience and the ability to motivate your team!
They may work together, but the product must be recognizably different, both in design and in code. The motto is: learn together and from each other, but don’t copy each other’s work!
No, you don’t have to be able to program yourself or even be a computer science professional. As a coach, you learn along with your team. You can help your team research things they need, but the programming work has to be done by the team itself!
However, we do offer courses and webinars for new coaches with information on WRO and the basics of robotics.
Yes, if the team coach is unable to attend on the day of the competition, another adult can take over the supervision of the team. In an emergency, a team can also compete without a team coach. However, this is not advisable.
In such a case, please notify us of the change, thank you
Anyone who is at least 18 years old and who wants to get girls and boys interested in technology. This can be a teacher, a parent or an older pupil and does not necessarily have to be someone with a technical background.
WRO CH holds regular courses for teachers and coaches at the beginning of the year.
Yes, if the team coach is unable to attend on the day of the competition, another adult can take over the supervision of the team. In an emergency, a team can also compete without a team coach. However, this is not advisable.
In such a case, please notify us of the change, thank you
A registration fee of CHF 100 per team must be paid at the time of registration. This fee includes the playing field mat (worth approx. CHF 68) and, for teams taking part for the first time, the Lego sets for the playing field objects.
As we want to keep the barriers to participation in our competitions as low as possible, the registration fee will be refunded after participation in a regional competition. We have decided to go down this route instead of simply waiving participation fees because we want to avoid teams simply registering but then not taking part. After all, our regional partners have a lot of organizational and financial work to do to stage the competitions, and the number of places is limited. We believe that this variant leads to greater commitment and still keeps the hurdles low.
In addition to the registration fee, there are further costs for the teams:
In particular, a Lego robotics set is required. This can be purchased in retail outlets, e.g. from our partner Educatec. And WRO Switzerland offers inexpensive sets for rent in its web store.
Each team is responsible for its own travel costs to and from the competitions. However, there is a hardship fund that can be used to provide a subsidy for travel and accommodation costs in justified individual cases.
The team only needs their computer/tablet with power cable and the robotics set with power/charging cable. Playing fields, task models and tables are provided by the competition organizers. Catering is also provided.
The program that the team worked on during the preparation time may and should be used, it does not have to be completely reprogrammed on the day!
Attention: The robot must be disassembled into its individual parts at the start of the competition! It must then be assembled by the team during the first construction phase without instructions, photos or other aids.
General questions
Sure – with pleasure! The WRO is a large community project with many partners and volunteers who are involved as competition partners (organization of a local competition), referees, jury members or helpers at regional competitions or at the Swiss final.
You can make an important contribution as a team coach, referee, jury member, helper, competition partner or sponsor. Simply get in touch via our contact form. We are very happy!
The WRO is organized in Switzerland by our association WRO CH. The association is made up of adults and young people who enjoy robotics and some of whom have taken part in international events and competitions as participants, coaches or supervisors. It is therefore a personal concern of ours to inspire as many children and young people as possible to experience robotics for themselves.
The WRO CH is affiliated to the Swiss Science Olympiad Association.
The World Robot Olympiad Association, based in Singapore, coordinates the World Robot Olympiad on an international level. Our club has an exclusive contract to organize the WRO in Switzerland.