The 3rd International Robolution 2024 Convened at the University of Makati

The 3rd International Robolution 2024: Robotics and Automation Competition was successfully held on December 6–7, 2024, at the University of Makati, gathering a diverse community of students, educators, industry leaders, and international experts for a two-day event dedicated to advancing innovation, collaboration, and excellence in robotics and automation. The event featured a series of expert-led plenary sessions, knowledge-sharing discussions, and global perspectives that highlighted the rapid growth and impact of robotics across education, industry, and space exploration.

The opening day featured a series of plenary sessions led by distinguished speakers from both local and international institutions. Among the keynote contributors were Jonathan Weiland, Director of FIRST Tech Challenge in Illinois; Arcy Layne Sace, Science Research Specialist from the Interdisciplinary Space Missions Development Division of the Philippine Space Agency; and Omega Hong of ZMROBO.

International perspectives were further enriched by Flaviu Birouas from the University of Oradea, Brian Montoya of RoboRAVE, and Süleyman Mete of Fibonacci International.

Industry participation also played a significant role in the event. Representatives from the Murata Manufacturing Philippines included Deputy General Manager Janet Inocencio and Corporate Communications staff member Carisse Daven Bulan. Other contributors included Caezar Angelito E. Arceo, Chief Science Research Specialist from the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute; Jean August Galsim of Power Mac Center; and Ma. Charlyn Jel V. Dimaala, Partnerships and Communications Manager of Women in Tech Philippines.

A major highlight of the program was the session delivered by Nagin Cox, a systems engineer from NASA. She shared insights from her involvement in the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Mission, offering participants a closer look at real-world space exploration and the vital role of robotics in advancing scientific discovery. The afternoon sessions transitioned into high-energy Robotics and Automation Competitions, where student teams demonstrated exceptional skills in robot design, line-tracing, and innovative problem-solving. The excitement carried into the second day, as participants tackled more advanced challenges in autonomous navigation and engineering design.

After intense rounds of competition, Saint Louis University emerged as the Overall Champion, showcasing outstanding technical precision and creativity. The University of Baguio secured First Place, while the Camarines Norte National High School earned Second Place for their remarkable performance.

The afternoon sessions shifted into high-energy Robotics and Automation Competitions, where student teams showcased their skills in robot design, line-tracing, and innovative problem-solving. The momentum continued into the second day as participants faced more advanced challenges focused on autonomous navigation and engineering design.

In addition to the competitions, the event recognized outstanding contributors to the robotics community through several awards. Honors for Outstanding Robotics Coach of the Year were given to Kniethel R. Rabara of Ilocos Sur National High School and Aizah C. Agub of Pasay City National Science High School.

Exemplary Coaches included Angelie Joy C. Portes and Prescilla G. Derequito, both from Panabo National High School. The Outstanding Club of the Year was awarded to the Scientific and Technology-Based Engagements in Manipulating Robots (STEMBot) Club of Ilocos Sur National High School.

Special recognition was also given under the Erovoutika Award: Team Philippines for International Competitions (2023–2024), honoring Lana Manila of FAITH Catholic School, Smith Lloyd Bunao of St. Paul College of Bocaue, and Ivia Yofi Marquez Bolipata of Homeschool Global Philippines. Lance Gregoire Bolipata was also recognized as Robotics Captain of the Year (International Competition).

Additional school recognitions were awarded to Panabo City National High School and Homeschool Global Philippines for their continued contributions and achievements.

Organizers commended all participants for their dedication, resilience, and passion for innovation, noting that the event highlighted the growing capabilities of Filipino students in robotics and automation while strengthening collaboration among local and international institutions.

Held in partnership with global institutions such as Robotics Championship Fibonacci International and the World Robot Contest (WRC) International Robotics and Math Olympiad, International Robolution 2024 further solidified its role as a significant platform in the global robotics landscape—empowering the next generation of engineers, innovators, and technology leaders.