The UIU Rescue Rover Team (URRT), operating under the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) at United International University (UIU), has completed its first-ever participation in the RoboCup Rescue League 2026, organised by the Korea Association of AI Robot Industry (KAR) in partnership with Incheon Technopark (ITP), South Korea.

The competition was held in Incheon, South Korea, from July 2 to 6, says a press release Tuesday.

Competing against leading rescue robotics teams, research laboratories and industrial robotics organisations from around the world, the UIU Rescue Rover Team showcased its technical capabilities and innovation. The participation marked Bangladesh's debut in the competition, the release said.

In its first appearance at the competition, the team secured third place among nine newcomer teams worldwide, finished 11th in the Tracked Robot Category, and ranked 15th overall among 27 international teams.

The competition brought together teams from Germany, Japan, Austria, the United States, South Korea, Italy, Mexico, China, Thailand, Colombia, Uruguay and several other countries. According to the release, participation in the event enabled the UIU team to benchmark its technological capabilities against international standards. It also provided opportunities to exchange knowledge and experience with researchers, engineers and industry experts while gaining practical insights into advanced rescue robotics technologies.

Adding to the team's achievements, Nazmul Hasan Athin, a member of the UIU Rescue Rover Team, served as a judge in the Plenary Round of the competition. According to the release, he served alongside leading researchers and experts in rescue robotics, reflecting the team's growing recognition within the international robotics community.

The team said its primary objective was not only to achieve a high ranking but also to learn from leading rescue robotics experts, evaluate its technology against international standards, and acquire the knowledge and experience needed to develop the next generation of intelligent rescue robots.

The team also thanked UIU for its institutional support and expressed gratitude to its advisers, faculty members, sponsors, alumni, well-wishers and other supporters for their guidance and encouragement throughout the competition.

According to the release, the team's debut at the RoboCup Rescue League 2026 is expected to contribute to the advancement of robotics research, innovation and disaster-response