The Battle of Robots competition is set to take place in Moscow from October 6 to 10, 2026, with 64 teams from around the world participating. The BlackShark Team, a group of young Tunisian engineers, will represent Tunisia in the heavy robot category. According to the Tunisian Order of Engineers (OIT), they are the only team from an Arab and African country competing against teams from Russia, China, India, and Brazil.
The BlackShark Team, consisting of five engineers specializing in robotics and artificial intelligence, has prior experience in robot combat competitions. They participated in the first edition of the competition in Perm and Moscow in autumn 2025, where they won all their matches in the first round and qualified for the final. This achievement marked a first for an Arab and African team, earning them recognition and praise from the OIT.
The robot combat competition requires teams to design, manufacture, assemble, and pilot a robot capable of withstanding hits while striking opponents. The competition demands a combination of mechanical, electronic, artificial intelligence, and strategic skills. In the 110 kg category, each combat tests the solidity of the chassis, the power of the engines, and the reliability of the overall system.
The BlackShark Team's participation in the competition is seen as a source of national pride in Tunisia. The OIT has welcomed the team's achievements, highlighting the strategic role of engineering in the country's development. The team's success has also sparked hopes that a pool of talented engineers is emerging in Tunisia, supported by the technological community and the OIT.
Tunisia has a growing presence in robot combat competitions, with another team, Night Fury, winning the TRBL robot combat championship in Turkey in July 2026. These achievements have raised questions about the potential for sustained growth in the field. The BlackShark Team has called for increased national support, including equipment and technical accompaniment, to build on their success.
The outcome of the 2026 Battle of Robots competition remains to be seen, with the qualifying rounds currently underway. The BlackShark Team's performance will be closely watched, as will the potential for partnerships with universities and industry partners. The team's success could pave the way for further investment in robotics and engineering in Tunisia.
The participation of 64 teams in the Battle of Robots competition, with only 16 qualifying for the advanced phases, underscores the competitive nature of the event. The BlackShark Team's qualification for the competition is a notable achievement, and their progress will be followed with interest by fans and supporters in Tunisia and beyond.
Key points
- The BlackShark Team is the only Arab and African team competing in the Battle of Robots in Moscow.
- The team has prior experience in robot combat competitions, having participated in the first edition of the competition in Perm and Moscow in autumn 2025.
- The success of Tunisian teams in robot combat competitions has raised hopes for sustained growth in the field, supported by the technological community and the OIT.
