GermanOpen 2026
Experience the future of robotics live
The event of the year for intelligent robotics
The RoboCup German Open is one of the most important events for artificial intelligence and robotics in Europe. Researchers, students, and young talents from all over the world present their innovative developments here and compete in exciting competitions.
In 2026, the RoboCup German Open – open to national and international major teams – will be held from March 10 to 14, 2026, at the Cologne Exhibition Center in conjunction with the didacta 2026 education fair.
We expect more than 50 teams from universities and technical colleges, including several reigning world champions from Germany, but also from numerous countries in Europe, Asia, and North America, to participate in the major competitions. In the junior leagues, the best 200 school teams from Germany will demonstrate their skills, having qualified for the German junior finals at the German Open through the previous nine regional German qualifying tournaments.
The major competitions will begin on March 11, 2026, and the junior competitions on March 12, 2026. The finals in all leagues will take place on March 14, 2026, as will the award ceremonies. The public will be able to watch the competitions in conjunction with didacta starting on March 11, 2026.
Parallel to the RoboCup German Open 2026, the Robotics Institute Germany (RIG) will hold its 2nd German Robotics Conference (GRC), as it did in 2025. The German Robotics Conference provides a platform for leading researchers and experts to discuss current developments and future trends in robotics and artificial intelligence.
The RoboCup German Open 2026 is being organized by the RoboCup Committee Germany and TU Darmstadt with the support of WorldSkills Germany and in cooperation with the Robotics Institute Germany (RIG).
The impact of the RoboCup German Open
- Robotics event & science platform: Promoting scientific exchange and testing new technologies.
- AI specialist training: Practical training for future experts in robotics and artificial intelligence.
- Innovation driver for robotics & AI: Systematic evaluation of intelligent autonomous systems.
- Broad range of topics: Multi-robot systems, rescue robots, service robots, mobile production machines.
- Benchmarking & future impulses: Development of standards for AI-supported robot systems.
- Promotion of young talent: Teaching technical and interdisciplinary skills (e.g., teamwork, problem solving).
- Career advancement: Former participants found start-ups or contribute their knowledge to companies.
Informations for teams
Q: Is there a hotel contract or good conditions for hotel bookings for the teams?
A: No, each team must book its own accommodation. There are no agreements with hotels, but there are several hotels near the exhibition grounds. The exhibition center is also very well connected by public transportation.
Q: Will each team member registered for the competition receive an individual participation certificate and, if applicable, a winner's certificate?
A: Yes, each team member will receive a certificate.
Q: If a team member is registered for the competition but is unable to physically participate due to unforeseen circumstances, are they still entitled to a certificate?
A: Yes, we can also issue the certificate if a team member is unable to participate but was previously registered.
Q: Is there a maximum number of team members per team, and if so, what is it?
A: There is no set upper limit (major leagues).
Q: Can you please explain the payment process for team and team member registration, in particular which payment methods are available (e.g., bank transfer, online portal, etc.)?
A: Each team will receive an invoice to be paid by bank transfer. The approximate time frame for this is early February.
Q: Does the RoboCup organization offer support or advice on shipping robots and organizing travel and accommodation for international teams? It would be very helpful if the organization team could provide assistance in this regard.
A: For shipping, please contact robocup@germanopen.de. Teams are responsible for organizing their own hotel and travel arrangements.
Q: Is RoboCup@Work part of the registration process for the RoboCup Industrial Smart Manufacturing League?
A: Yes, they are both part of the same process. If you are a RoboCup@Work team, you must select RoboCup Industrial Smart Manufacturing League when registering. For more information, please visit: https://robocup.org/news/181
Q: How long after registration will the official invitation letters be issued to registered team members?
A: First, all team members must register. The League Chairs will then review the registration and approve the team. Once your team is approved, you will receive the official invitation letter.
