The Sigulda District Youth Creativity Center’s “Combat Robots” team, supported by VALPRO Ltd., took part in “RoboChallenge 2025”—Europe’s largest robotics competition, held in Bucharest, Romania. The “RoboChallenge” event gathered participants from 30 countries and a total of 1,231 robotics enthusiasts, competing in various robotics disciplines.

 

Sigulda was represented by Didzis Ercmanis, Klāvs Lācis, Dāvids Beinerts, Linards Balodis, and Mārtiņš Sīlis, who participated in three categories: line following, combat robots up to one pound (500 g), and combat robots up to three pounds (1,500 g).

 

We are especially proud of Dāvids Beinerts’ achievements – with his combat robot, he placed among the top eight in the one-pound category, where the competition was fierce, featuring 84 robots from various countries. Meanwhile, Linards Balodis reached the top sixteen in the same category.

 

In the three-pound category, Dāvids Beinerts once again demonstrated his skill, finishing among the top sixteen out of 44 robots. Beyond competing, the team also met with local and international robotics experts, gaining valuable experience from some of the world’s leading robot builders and inspiration for future projects.

 

Special thanks go to VALPRO Ltd. for their support and belief in these young innovators – without this assistance, the team’s participation in such a significant competition would not have been possible. With pride, we represented Latvia and Sigulda on the international robotics stage.

 

Prepared by:

Dairis Rihards Irbe

Instructor of extracurricular education

Sigulda District Youth Creativity Center