Melbourne has secured RoboCup and the RoboCup Symposium for 2028. The event showcases the latest in state-of-the-art robotics, providing a global platform for education, research, and public engagement in this rapidly advancing sector.
Melbourne Convention Bureau worked in collaboration with the RoboCup Federation, RMIT University and RoboCup Junior Australia to secure the event, with support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund, as well as professional conference organisers ICMS Australasia. The event, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is expected to attract up to 3,000 delegates and 15,000 spectators, and have an economic impact of over $14 million.
RoboCup is the world’s largest and most prestigious robotics and artificial intelligence competition, founded with the mission to advance intelligent robotics through collaborative, real-world challenges. The event features multiple leagues, including autonomous robots competing in soccer matches, simulated disaster response scenarios, and industrial logistics and manufacturing tasks, as well as RoboCupJunior for school-aged participants.
Melbourne and Victoria are at the forefront of robotics and artificial intelligence innovation, bringing together world-leading universities, cutting-edge research institutions, thriving technology startups, and global industry partners. With strengths across advanced manufacturing, automation, digital technologies and applied AI, Victoria has built a dynamic ecosystem that fosters talent development and breakthrough innovation. Melbourne represents the ideal host for RoboCup, providing a globally connected environment where researchers, students and industry leaders can showcase the future of intelligent robotics and AI.
RoboCup 2028 joins a growing list of events coming to Melbourne in the coming years. The city recently secured the inaugural Australian AI Summit, bringing over 800 delegates to the city in September 2026, as well as the IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces and the International Conference on Neural Information Processing.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“Victoria is the ideal destination to host this incredible event, which will bring hundreds of world-leading researchers and innovators together and provide a major boost to our visitor economy.
“As a globally-recognised hub for technology, advanced manufacturing and digital innovation – we have the ecosystem needed to deliver an event like this which will help shape the future of robotics and AI.”
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson
“Melbourne is uniquely placed to host RoboCup 2028, combining a globally connected innovation ecosystem with the experience and infrastructure to deliver world-class international events. Bringing the world’s brightest minds in robotics to Melbourne strengthens collaboration, inspires future generations and reinforces Victoria’s reputation as a destination where innovation thrives.”
Quotes attributable to RoboCup Federation President Ubbo Visser
“The RoboCup Federation is delighted to return to Melbourne, which hosted RoboCup as one of the inaugural locations over a quarter of a century ago. The board of trustees unanimously acknowledged the depth and quality of the bid. The RoboCup community is happy to return to Australia!”
Quotes attributable to Tourism Australia Executive General Manager Industry & Business Events Sally Cope
“We’re thrilled to support Melbourne in welcoming RoboCup and the RoboCup Symposium in 2028 through our Bid Fund Program. This event not only injects significant economic value into the local economy but also cements Australia’s position as a premier destination for world-leading technology congresses.”
