Robots that assist surgeons, accompany visually impaired people through everyday life, or translate sign language – what may sound like something from the future will become reality at the NEURA Robotics Challenge 2025.
Why we created the challenge
We launched the NEURA Robotics Challenge to spark new ideas and support the next generation of innovators in the rapidly expanding field of robotics. We provided the teams with our robot platforms so they could build and test their solutions firsthand. From many great ideas we selected the six best, and now the finalists are ready to showcase their projects. Because we are convinced that the next generation will play a decisive role in how cognitive robots become part of our everyday lives and what positive influence they will have on the economy and society.
The big finale at KI Palooza in Esslingen
On September 30 and October 1, 2025, it’s showtime: Six finalist teams will compete against each other at KI Palooza in Esslingen. The highlight is Challenge Day on October 1 (10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.), when the teams will present their projects. To reward the courage and performance of the participants, prize money totaling €150,000 will be distributed among the six places. Each of the projects shows how diverse the applications of robotics already are today. Here’s an early glimpse of the innovative projects our finalists will bring to the stage:
TU Munich – neuroTUM: Controlling a robotic arm with your thoughts alone.
Furtwangen University – HOP!: MAiRA supports surgeons in performing precise procedures.
ETH/TUM Zurich – RAVI: Robotic assistance for millions of people with visual impairments.
Creative Robotics Linz – Adaptive Robotic Construction: Intelligent robots that redesign construction processes.
KU Leuven – ROBelix: Mobile automation of complex cable and assembly work.
FAU Erlangen – SignBOT: A humanoid robot that masters sign language and promotes inclusion.
KI Palooza – The KI Festival for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
On September 30 and October 1, 2025, the Neckar Forum in Esslingen will become a meeting place for everyone who wants to truly understand and implement artificial intelligence. At the KI Palooza Festival, visitors can expect two days full of inspiration, practical insights, and valuable networking, with top speakers, exciting use cases, and interactive workshops. We are delighted to be part of this unique event with the Neura Robotics Challenge 2025. in addition to our Challenge, our CEO and founder David Reger will give a keynote speech and then join Christian Ruf (VfB Stuttgart) and Stephan Sigloch (klickpiloten) in the panel discussion “KI Investment: Impact or Hype?”
