The Thai ‘iRAP Robot’ team from King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) delivered an outstanding performance, securing fourth place at the ‘World RoboCup Rescue 2026’ in Incheon, South Korea. In a display of remarkable talent and perseverance, the team once again brought pride to Thailand on the global stage, advancing through the difficult rounds to reach the world finals and narrowly missing a podium finish against top-ranked competitors.
The path to this achievement was challenging from the outset. During the preliminary round, held on July 2-3, 2026, the team encountered various obstacles, including nerves and minor equipment malfunctions. Nevertheless, they adapted quickly and excelled, securing third place out of 23 international teams and advancing to the top 12. In the semifinals on July 4, the team maintained strong performance to rank fourth, progressing to the final eight. Ultimately, in the finals held on July 5, ‘iRAP Robot’ showcased their highest capabilities, achieving an impressive fourth place overall. This year’s top honors went to Team DYNAMICS from Austria (1st place), with SHINOBI and QUIX from Japan claiming the first and second runner-up positions, respectively. All four teams, including ‘iRAP Robot,’ are established leaders in the field, each with a history of world-class accolades.
A point of particular pride for the ‘iRAP Robot’ team is their commitment to originality and innovation. While the RoboCup rules allow competitors to use commercially available robotic platforms, the KMUTNB team designed and built their rescue robot entirely in-house. This included everything from structural design and electrical systems to developing both hardware and software, under the close guidance of their faculty advisors.
The team’s journey to the World RoboCup Rescue 2026 was led by seven distinguished faculty members: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kittichai Thanasupsin (Dean, Faculty of Engineering), Asst. Prof. Dr. Aran Blattler (Program Director and team advisor), Asst. Prof. Dr. Jiraphan Inthiam (Assistant Dean and team advisor), Asst. Prof. Dr. Janjit Iamchaturapatr (Deputy Director, KMUTNB Techno Park), Asst. Prof. Dr. Komthep Silpcharu (Assistant Director, KMUTNB Techno Park), Asst. Prof. Dr. Teppakorn Sittiwanchai (Lecturer and team advisor), and Asst. Prof. Noppadol Pudchuen (Lecturer and team advisor).
The student team consisted of 14 innovators from various departments in the Faculty of Engineering and the College of Industrial Technology: Mr. Natinan Kuttanan, Mr. Noppadol Jumrussri, Mr. Kolpat Boonleua, Mr. Tanakorn Kulsri, Mr. Jedsadakorn Chainarapipat, Mr. Chayanin Thitikulwat, Mr. Sukitchai Homkrajai, Mr. Sermchat Leelasakulmekeart, Mr. Napat Chanlarm, Mr. Phattanadate Srianant, Mr. Sivakorn Panbanphaew, Mr. Sitthikorn Chathaisong, Mr. Methee Meesaeng, and Ms. Supicha Jitniyom.
Upon returning to Thailand on July 8, 2026, the ‘iRAP Robot’ team and faculty were warmly received at Suvarnabhumi Airport by Prof. Dr. Thanin Silpcharu, President of KMUTNB, along with university executives, faculty, staff, students, and representatives from KH Academy—the coordinating and supporting body for the trip—including founder Mr. Burapha Sanguanwong and co-founder, director of partner relations, Mrs. Wanwisa Punosoth, who congratulated the team on their success.
Commenting on the competition, Asst. Prof. Dr. Aran Blattler, the team’s faculty advisor, noted, “This year marks the first time in RoboCup history that 23 rescue robot teams from 18 countries competed, making the atmosphere intense from the start to the final round. With extremely limited preparation time—less than 20 minutes between matches—our students showed outstanding teamwork and on-the-spot problem-solving skills. While we finished fourth this year and couldn’t defend our championship, this achievement is significant, as the top three teams are all former world champions. The experience and lessons learned will drive us to further development, and we promise the iRAP Robot team will return next year to reclaim the world title for KMUTNB and Thailand.”
Dr. Blattler and the iRAP Robot team also extended their deep gratitude to three major international supporting organizations: B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited (SET: BGRIM), Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (SET: THAI), and South Korea’s UNISON Co., Ltd., whose support made KMUTNB’s participation in the World RoboCup Rescue 2026 possible. KH Academy served as the organizing and coordinating institute throughout the event. The team highlighted the importance of such private sector partnerships in advancing innovation, technology, and the development of Thai youth, as clearly evidenced by this world-class achievement. The fourth-place finish stands as a testament to the skills and capabilities of young Thai engineers, ready to compete at the highest international levels.
