The Informatics Engineering Student Association (HMPS IT) “ENCODER” at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang successfully hosted R.O.A.R (Robotic Offensive Arena Rivalry) 2026. Featuring the theme “Innovative and Strategic Clash of Intelligent Rivals”, the event took place at the Sport Center (2nd Floor), UIN Malang, on Sunday (Nov 1, 2026).

This robot sumo competition was designed to encourage technological innovation and celebrate student talent from middle and high schools (SMP/MTs and SMA/SMK/MA). A total of 27 teams—comprising over 100 students from Malang and surrounding regions—competed to showcase their algorithm design, engineering skills, and match strategies in the arena.

The Head of the Informatics Engineering Student Association, Abdul Aziz Maftuh, emphasized that robot sumo is about much more than mechanical power.

“Through R.O.A.R 2026, we aim to provide a platform for students to hone their technical skills, test their competitive strategies, and practice fair play from an early age,” he stated.

Match Highlights and Thrilling Finals

The event kicked off at 7:00 AM WIB with an official opening ceremony, welcoming hundreds of spectators and supporters in the stands. R.O.A.R 2026 featured two main categories:

1. Sumo Robot 500 Grams for Middle School level (20 teams in 4 groups).

2. Sumo Robot 1 Kg for High School level (7 teams in a round-robin system).

The matches were intense and energetic. The crowd cheered as robots executed quick turns, strategic pushes, and dramatic flips to knock their opponents out of the ring.

In the 500 Gram category, the top 8 teams advanced to a double-elimination playoff. The Grand Final (best of 5) delivered high drama as team Madsakopas Nexora fought their way back from the lower bracket to defeat Madsakopas Do’a Umi with a 3-1 score.

In the 1 Kg category, team Bayhi Tahu Walik dominated the tournament, securing five consecutive wins to claim the championship title.

List of Winners: R.O.A.R 2026

The winners received trophies, medals, certificates, and cash prizes:

Sumo Robot 500 Grams Category (Middle School)

• 1st Place: Madsakopas Nexora

• 2nd Place: Madsakopas Do’a Umi

• 3rd Place: Madsakopas Optimus Prime

Sumo Robot 1 Kg Category (High School)

• 1st Place: Bayhi Tahu Walik

• 2nd Place: Berjaya

• 3rd Place: M7 Robotics Team

The event was supported by sponsor booths from Juragan Printing, BCA, and BNI. For audiences unable to attend in person, the entire event was broadcast live on YouTube.

The day concluded with an award ceremony, official closing remarks, and a group photo session with participants, organizers, and guests.