The events, held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, are expected to attract 3,000 delegates and 15,000 spectators, culminating in an anticipated economic impact in excess of $14 million.
RoboCup is the world’s largest robotics and artificial intelligence competition, offering multiple competitions within its program, including robots playing soccer and providing assistance in simulated disasters and industrial logistics and manufacturing scenarios. There is also a division of RoboCup for school-aged robotic enthusiasts.
Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) worked with RMIT and RoboCup Junior Australia to win the events for Melbourne. The bid also had support from Australia’s business events subvention fund, the Business Events Bid Fund, managed by Tourism Australia, while PCO ICMS Australasia also lent a hand on the bid.
“Melbourne is uniquely placed to host RoboCup 2028, combining a globally connected innovation ecosystem with the experience and infrastructure to deliver world-class international events,” said MCB’s chief executive, Julia Swanson.
“Bringing the world’s brightest minds in robotics to Melbourne strengthens collaboration, inspires future generations and reinforces Victoria’s reputation as a destination where innovation thrives.”
While Sydney was the most recent Australian host of the international competition in 2019, Melbourne has hosted RoboCup before.
“The RoboCup Federation is delighted to return to Melbourne, which hosted RoboCup as one of the inaugural locations over a quarter of a century ago,” said RoboCup Federation president, Ubbo Visser.
“The board of trustees unanimously acknowledged the depth and quality of [Melbourne’s latest] bid. The RoboCup community is happy to return to Australia!”
