The World Robot Olympiad (WRO) is one of the world\u2019s most significant educational robotics-building and programming competitions, encouraging young people\u2019s interest in science, engineering and information technology since 2004. In Hungary, the competition has been organised by Edutus University since 2014. The national final of the series was held at Sz\u00e9chenyi Istv\u00e1n University on the last weekend of June, where 161 teams and 416 competitors competed. Participants arrived from 39 towns to demonstrate their robotics, programming and innovative abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The final was opened by Zolt\u00e1n Tan\u00e1cs, Minister for Science and Technology, who recalled his childhood readings in his welcome speech. As he noted, the novels of Isaac Asimov had a great influence on him. The renowned author was already writing about the world of robotics in the 1950s, which is now part of everyday life. He pointed out that robotics has grown into an industry of astonishing speed. \u201cWe now have a community present that can become a driving force in this industry,\u201d<\/em> he stated. He emphasised that while the number of robots per ten thousand people in Hungary is 133, in South Korea it is one thousand. \u201cThis means we are somewhat behind, with enormous development ahead of us, which is, at the same time, very good news for participants of the competition. A great many robots will need to be designed, programmed, repaired and enhanced, and they have already begun to acquire the knowledge required for this. It is fantastic,\u201d<\/em> he summarised. He encouraged young people to design robots that improve people\u2019s lives\u2014ones that not only accelerate processes but also provide greater freedom and a healthier lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Minister of Science and Technology Zolt\u00e1n Tan\u00e1cs encouraged young people to design robots that make people’s lives better (Photo: M\u00e1t\u00e9 Dud\u00e1s)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mayor of Gy\u0151r, Bence Pint\u00e9r, said that the young people who reached the final will become Hungary\u2019s future engineers, researchers and technology leaders. He added that the tasks in the final\u2014such as those related to artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles or green solutions\u2014represent real global challenges. \u201cThis is where ideas may emerge that in a few years could turn into university research, projects, patents and successful enterprises,\u201d<\/em> he emphasised. He highlighted that Gy\u0151r is a stronghold of innovation and the automotive industry in Hungary, and that the symbiosis between the industrial ecosystem, the University and Audi is unique, making it an ideal place for further studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Vice-President for Scientific Affairs of Sz\u00e9chenyi Istv\u00e1n University, stated that the institution\u2019s mission is to prepare its students for successful professional careers, and therefore it gladly joins programmes addressing dedicated young people every year. \u201cFor a young person to become truly successful in their chosen profession, at least five factors are necessary: purposefulness, teamwork, language skills, professional competence and general knowledge,\u201d<\/em> he listed. He added that all opportunities are open to the competition participants for a successful career, and wished them to make the most of these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The World Robot Olympiad (WRO) hosted the national finals at Sz\u00e9chenyi Istv\u00e1n University (Photo: M\u00e1t\u00e9 Dud\u00e1s)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Imre Pint\u00e9r-P\u00e9ntek, Vice-President of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and President of the Gy\u0151r-Moson-Sopron County Chamber, stated that the labour-intensive economy based on cheap workforce has come to an end in Hungary, replaced by a knowledge-based economy. \u201cWe must help young people acquire as much knowledge as quickly as possible so that they can put it in the service of the economy. This is why the Chamber is involved in career guidance, the coordination of dual training, and the creation of excellent workplaces,\u201d<\/em> he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/alumni.sze.hu\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/wro_Kep1-1024x683.jpg\")
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