5th North Harima Rice Harvesting Robot Contest 2026

About this event

Set in Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture, the "5th North Harima Rice Harvesting Robot Contest 2026" invites elementary and junior high school students to tackle rice harvesting-themed challenges using their own handmade robots. The theme is "Aim for the World!". Participants will use handmade robots and programming to take on competitions simulating the harvest of Yamada Nishiki, the famed sake rice. Categories include the Wheeled Division, Walking Division, and Entry Division (for elementary and junior high school students), alongside an Open Division welcoming high school students and older. Participation is free, though material costs and travel expenses must be borne by participants. Entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with a capacity of 10 teams per division. Ahead of the contest, test-run sessions will also be held where teams can fine-tune their robots and verify programming. This contest aims to spark children's interest in craftsmanship and deepen their understanding of local specialty products.

Venue

Yashiro International Learning Center

1175 Kamimikusa, Kato, Hyogo 673-1472