Terminator? No, a Combat Robot!

Text Timo Raussi
Photos AHHAA Science Centre

Have you ever seen on TV, in films or on YouTube the originally US-developed form of competition that has become popular among technology enthusiasts in Europe as well: robot combat? Online, you can find videos spanning more than 25 years by searching for “Robot Wars” and “BattleBots”.

The same spectacular and noisy screeching, whirring, and crashing of metal, and at its most extreme, even smoke and flames, will soon be coming to a location perhaps closer than you might expect.

Estonia’s AHHAA Science Centre will organise Robolahing 2026 on Saturday, 31 October, at the Tartu Exhibition Centre, and this is by no means the first time. Individual exhibition matches were already held in Estonia in 2016 as part of the Science Night event, after which the programme gradually developed into its own annual event combining engineering skills, programming, creativity, and fast-paced entertainment.

In the Robolahing competition, remote-controlled and autonomous combat robots are brought into an 8×8-metre duel arena, where their objective is to disable their opponent during a two-minute match. The robots are divided into two weight classes: lightweight competitors weighing less than 30 kg, and heavyweight competitors weighing up to 55 kg. Obstacles and traps in the arena add to the spectacle of the battles, while the tournament format is based on the rules of international competitions of the same kind.

Over the years, Robolahing has grown to become the largest event of its kind in the Baltic and Nordic countries in terms of the number of participating teams. The record number of robots so far was 48 in the 2024 competition, while last year 44 fighters in the different weight classes registered to compete. Alongside the more professional teams, the event also has separate categories for robots built by Estonian school students in their respective classes.

The 2026 competition has a total prize pool of €12,000. Following preliminary qualifying rounds held in advance, a total of 54 matches will be presented to the audience. From 12:00 onwards, the Tartu Exhibition Centre will also offer technology-themed workshops and other activities for the whole family throughout the day. Tickets and further information can be found on the Robolahing website.

You can also get a feel for the atmosphere and content of the event in advance by watching last year’s Robolahing aftermovie.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Ahhaa Science Centre BattleBots combat robots events Robolahing Robotics Tartu Technology