Robotics

In January 2018, ACAMIS took initial steps to create new ACAMIS Academic and Cultural Enrichment (ACE) activities in Robotics in addition to Math and Chess competitions. Tapping into the considerable expertise of two ACAMIS members, Barbara Boyer and Tim Boyer from Shanghai American School Pudong Campus, significant progress was made and in May 2018 the ACAMIS Robotics Committee (ARC) was formed to make all arrangements as soon as possible for the immediate launching of ACAMIS Robotics.

ACAMIS FLL Robotics Competition 2026-2027

The ACAMIS FIRST LEGO League season is back for 2026–27, bringing together students from across Asia for another exciting year of robotics, innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving.

FIRST LEGO League is a global robotics and STEM competition that inspires students aged 9 to 16 to explore real-world scientific challenges through teamwork, creativity, and technology. Participants design, build, and program LEGO robots to complete missions, while also researching and presenting innovative solutions related to the annual theme.

Regional Competition Dates

Regional ACAMIS FIRST LEGO League Competitions — Saturday, 27th of February 2027

• North Regional Host: Dulwich College Beijing
• Central Regional Host: Shanghai Community International School – Hongqiao
• South Regional Host: Stamford American School Hong Kong

Regional ACAMIS FIRST LEGO League Competitions — Saturday, 27th of February 2027

National Competition Dates

• National ACAMIS FIRST LEGO League Competition — Saturday, 10th of April 2027
• Location: To be confirmed
• Qualification: 20 teams will advance from the regional competitions.

Introducing the 2026–27 Theme: CANOPY

This year’s global FIRST LEGO League theme is FIRST CANOPY — a biodiversity-focused robotics adventure that explores the interconnected systems that sustain life on Earth. Using STEM skills, creative thinking, and teamwork, students will investigate ecosystems, natural habitats, and biodiversity while developing innovative solutions that help protect our shared planet.

At the heart of this season is the BIOGLOW Challenge, launching globally on 4 August 2026. Teams will complete hands-on robotics missions and research projects focused on how technology and innovation can help us better understand and preserve the natural world.

What Students Will Experience

• Designing and coding autonomous LEGO robots
• Developing innovative research projects
• Collaborating as a team
• Presenting ideas to judges and audiences
• Building confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills

Why FIRST LEGO League?

FIRST LEGO League gives students the opportunity to develop engineering, coding, communication, and collaboration skills through authentic, real-world challenges. The competition empowers students to become confident innovators who can use technology to make a positive impact on the world.

Get Ready for the Season

• Review the competition calendar
• Recruit and organize teams
• Plan practice and build sessions
• Introduce students to the CANOPY theme
• Follow official updates from FIRST LEGO League

Official FIRST CANOPY resources and season information: firstinspires.org/first-canopy

Official season teaser trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=_g9kl7xb8nU

We look forward to seeing teams innovate, collaborate, and compete in another exciting season of ACAMIS FIRST LEGO League.

For further information, please contact:

• Simon Furmston: simon_furmston@wab.edu
• Kyle Douglas: kyle.douglas@dulwich.org
• Justine Tizzard: justine.tizzard@sais.edu.h

ACAMIS Robotics Committee (ARC) was created in 2018 to at the request of several ACAMIS member schools in the hope of adding robotics as an activity where it did not previously exist. Already present among a core group of member schools in Shanghai and two other cities, it became evident that an overview organization like ACAMIS would have the best chance for it to take on new life, expand with our organization, provide activities among similar schools, and be sustainable over time. To accomplish this, a team of robotics experts was needed to form the first planning committee. For classification purposes, as an ACAMIS Activity, robotics will be listing under Academic and Cultural Enrichment (ACE). To provide annual training and information, the Robotics Planning Committee will work closely with the Technology Planning Committee to create a Strand for robotics at the annual Technology Conference.

The ACAMIS Robotics Committee helps organize the following events for ACAMIS Member Schools:

• Robotics Strand of ACAMIS Technology Conference
• ACAMIS Robotics Expo Day in each region (Ages 6-10)
• ACAMIS Robotics Workshops in each region (Ages 9-14)
• ACAMIS Robotics Competition in each region (Ages 9-14)
• ACAMIS Robotics Championship Competition (Ages 9-14)
• ACAMIS Robotics Friendly Scrimmages (Ages 12-18)
• ACAMIS Robotics Final Competition (Ages 12-18)

The ACAMIS Robotics Committee helps connect schools with resources on joining the following events:

• VEX IQ Competitions
• VEX EDR Competitions
• WRO Competitions
• FLL Competitions for non-ACAMIS Schools

If your school is not yet involved and you would like to know more information about how to get involved in ACAMIS Robotics, please contact Committee Chair, Todd Voykin at todd.voykin@cisgz.com for further information.

Past Robotics Competitions