Canadian University Dubai's team wins robotics competition

Scores of emerging engineering students from 13 universities across the UAE participated in an autonomous robotics challenge TechBots League SumoX 26 held in Dubai. Out of 46 teams, the engineering students from Canadian University Dubai (CUD) made history by securing the title at the Dubai TechBots League SumoX 26.

The winning CUD team included Anthony Ibrahim, Maya Salahi Alasbahi and Hadi Al Mubarak, who emerged as the competition’s undefeated national champions, rising above a field of 46 teams and 131 students from universities across the UAE.

Guided by dedicated coaching and mentorship, the students combined technical rigour with composure, strategic judgement and exceptional teamwork to deliver a standout performance from the opening rounds through to the final.

The competition hosted by Canadian University Dubai and organised by Besomi Academy, with the support of Besomi Group, Arduino and Qualcomm, Dubai TechBots League SumoX 26 brought together emerging engineering talent from across the UAE for an autonomous robotics challenge that demanded far more than technical knowledge. Teams were required to design, build and program robots capable of making rapid, intelligent decisions in a competitive arena.

“This achievement is a proud moment for CUD and a powerful reflection of the talent, commitment and technical ambition of our students,” said Dr Sherif Moussa, Dean of the School of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology at Canadian University Dubai. “Anthony, Maya and Hadi have shown what is possible when academic learning is brought to life through practical challenge, expert mentorship and collaboration. Their undefeated national win demonstrates that our students are not only preparing for the future of engineering, but are already contributing to it.”

The CUD team’s winning robot was conceived, designed and built as a hands-on engineering project that integrated mechanical design, electronics, intelligent sensing and embedded programming. Weighing three kilogrammes and powered by four high-torque DC motors, it was engineered for speed, force and responsive movement within the competitive sumo arena.

Its performance was driven by a carefully developed autonomous strategy. Multiple sensors enabled the robot to locate its opponent quickly, while line sensors detected the edge of the ring and ensured it remained in play. At the start of each match, the robot scanned its surroundings, identified the competing robot and responded with fast, targeted movement, translating engineering theory into a decisive real-world result.