Dubai hosts first-ever robot kickboxing event

Scores of university students as well as faculty, industry guests and members of the wider community had an immersive experience combining robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering enthral with a first-ever robot kickboxing live event in Dubai.

The UAE’s first university humanoid robot kickboxing showcased by School of Engineering of Canadian University Dubai (CUD) was held in collaboration with Besomi Electronics.

The collaboration aims to create opportunities for students and faculty to engage more closely with emerging technologies through industry exposure, practical learning and innovation-led experiences.

The showcase featured the Besomi Rangers, the first group of robots of their kind to be introduced in the UAE.

Designed to engage with people and explore the human world, the robots demonstrated their movement, interaction and performance capabilities through a live three-round kickboxing match, robot dance performances and supervised audience engagement.

Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, Chancellor of Canadian University Dubai, said: “The UAE’s vision for a diversified, technology-driven economy requires strong links between education, industry and innovation. This partnership with Besomi Electronics gives our students practical exposure to robotics and artificial intelligence, while creating opportunities for applied learning, industry engagement and future skills development. It reflects CUD’s commitment to preparing graduates who can contribute to the UAE’s priorities in advanced technology and the knowledge economy.”

The event featured a three-round humanoid robot kickboxing match, dynamic robot performances, recognition of the robotic competitors, and a networking session for students, faculty, guests, and the Besomi team.

Dr. Karim Chelli, President and Vice-Chancellor of Canadian University Dubai, said: “By hosting the UAE’s first university-based humanoid robot kickboxing showcase, CUD is creating opportunities for students to see emerging technologies in action and to recognise their own potential to shape the future of AI, robotics and automation. Our partnership with Besomi reflects our commitment to learning that is connected to industry, innovation and the evolving needs of society.”

The event included a fireside chat between Dr. Sherif Moussa, Dean of the School of Engineering at CUD, and Mohamad Besomi, CEO of Besomi Electronics.