Guangdong to Host International Humanoid Robot Basketball Challenge in April 2027

Guangdong announced on Sept. 29 that the International Humanoid Robot Basketball Challenge (RBA) will be held in Guangzhou in early-to-mid April 2027.

At the first RBA press conference held by the Guangdong Provincial People's Government Information Office, Yang Jun, deputy director of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology, said the provincial government had decided to organize the event, which is open to teams from around the world. He said Guangdong is promoting deeper integration of technological and industrial innovation, supporting robotics, artificial intelligence and innovative drugs as emerging pillar industries.

The event will feature a competitive category and an exhibition category. The competitive category includes fixed-point free throws, moving three-point shooting, human-robot coordinated passing, stationary dribbling endurance and dribbling obstacle-course layups. The exhibition category has no fixed movements or routes, allowing participants to arrange freestyle basketball moves and formations. Competing robots must have a humanoid body with feet as the only walking mechanism and be able to walk upright and recover from falls. All robots must come with a handle for emergency auxiliary operation and an emergency stop button.

Prizes will include individual champions, runners-up, third-place finishers and an MVP award in the competitive category, first, second and third prizes in the exhibition category, and special awards such as best technology innovation, best teamwork and best popularity. Domestic and foreign enterprises, universities, research institutes, innovation teams and other social organizations can register individually or as joint teams.