RoboCupJunior Soccer

In RoboCupJunior Soccer challenges, teams are required to design, build, and program autonomous robots that compete in a fast-paced soccer environment. These robots must navigate the field, track the ball, and strategize their movements—all without human intervention. The competition provides an exciting platform for young engineers to develop skills in mechanical design, electrical engineering, and artificial intelligence.

The main competitions are the 2:2 Infrared and 2:2 Vision leagues.

RCJ Soccer Vision

In this category, robots must detect and track an orange golf ball using cameras, presenting a significantly greater software challenge. Teams focus on advanced image processing and AI-based movement strategies, making software development a critical success factor.

RCJ Soccer Infrared

Robots in this league must adhere to stricter weight limits but have larger size allowances. They track an infrared-emitting ball, reducing reliance on camera-based vision. This league emphasizes hardware design and efficient electronic and mechanical engineering.

1. Team Requirement

2. Team Size

  • Number of members per team: 2 ~ 4

3. Sub-Leagues

  • RCJ Soccer Infrared, Primary | Rule 2026 (Link to Rule 2026)
  • RCJ Soccer Infrared, Secondary | Rule 2026 (Link to Rule 2026)
  • RCJ Soccer Vision | Rule 2026 (Link to Rules 2026)

4. Important Dates

5. Competition Schedule

  • Refer to Competition Schedule

6. Registration Fee

7. How To Participate

  • Teams interested in participating in RoboCup Asia-Pacific Macao Invitational 2026 (RCAP-MOI 2026) must successfully pass the league specific qualification process.
    • If the team is qualified through the RoboCup/RCAP regional selection event, it will be automatically qualified to compete in the RCAP-MOI 2026.
    • If the team is not qualified via the RoboCup/RCAP regional selection event, please submit the team qualification documents for evaluation by the RCAP Technical Committee. Qualification documents are as follows:
      • RCJ primary category: Learning Journal
      • RCJ secondary category: Team Description Paper (TDP)

8. Registration Process

  • All teams intend to participate in RCAP-MOI 2026 are required to complete the pre-registration before 28 September 2026
  • Qualified teams will be notified by 5 October 2026
  • Qualified teams need to complete the registration fee payment and the final submission by 15 October 2026

9. Pre-Registration

  • Steps for pre-registration:
    1. Download the pre-registration form RCAP-MOI2026_Registration_Junior.xlsx
    2. Have the following documents ready:
      • Completed RCAP-MOI2026_Registration_Junior.xlsx form
      • Learning Journal for Primary teams or Team Description Paper (TDP) for Secondary teams.
      • One Team photo.
    3. Zip up all above document.Click on the PRE-REGISTRATION button and upload the zip file before 28 September 2026.
  • Note:
    • For qualified teams, you will be automatically qualified for RCAP-MOI 2026.
    • For teams that are not qualified through the competition, the Technical Committee will evaluate the team’s Learning Journal or Team Description Paper (TDP) to determine their eligibility for RCAP-MOI 2026.

10. Final Submission

  • Steps for final submission:
    1. Prepare a copy of the proof of payment.
    2. Prepare a duly signed Final Registration Form.
    3. Submit the above documents and complete the FINAL REGISTRATION by 15 October 2026.
  • Registration confirmation will be issued to all participating teams upon successful completion of the registration process.

11. RCAP Influencer Award

  • The RCAP Influencer Award (Link to Influencer Award Document) will be presented to the teams whose presentation videos receive the highest evaluation in their respective category on the RCAP Academy Official YouTube channel.