Rescue robot team from Thailand "iRAP Robot" King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) demonstrated Thai youth potential by achieving 4th place globally at the world championship robot competition. World RoboCup Rescue 2026
Reporters say the iRAP Robot team, composed of students from King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) representing Thailand, performed impressively by overcoming tough challenges to reach the final round and secured 4th place worldwide at the World RoboCup Rescue 2026 in Incheon, South Korea, narrowly trailing top global teams.
The path to this success involved challenges from day one during the Preliminary round on 2-3 July 2026, where the team faced obstacles such as nervousness and minor equipment malfunctions. However, they adapted quickly and turned the situation around to rank 3rd among 23 teams worldwide, advancing excellently to the top 12.
In the semifinal on 4 July 2026, the team maintained their standard, ranking 4th overall and progressing to the top 8. In the final round on 5 July 2026, the iRAP Robot team showcased their full potential and secured 4th place globally. The championship was won by team DYNAMICS from Austria, with runners-up SHINOBI and QUIX from Japan, all leading teams with previous world titles alongside iRAP Robot.
A notable and proud distinction of the iRAP Robot team is that although the World RoboCup Rescue 2026 competition allowed teams to use commercial robot platforms, the iRAP Robot rescue robot was entirely conceived and developed by Thai students—from robot structural design and electrical systems to hardware and software development—under the close supervision of KMUTNB faculty.
The delegation to the World RoboCup Rescue 2026 was led by seven distinguished KMUTNB faculty members, including Associate Professor Dr. Kittichai Thanathapsin, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Assistant Professor Dr. Aran Butler, Director of the Robotics and Automation Engineering Program and team advisor; Assistant Professor Dr. Jiraphan Intiam, Assistant Dean for Technology Integration; Assistant Professor Dr. Jenjit Iamchaturapat, Deputy Director of Organizational Management at KMUTNB Technology Park; Assistant Professor Dr. Komthep Sinjaru, Assistant Director of Organizational Management; Assistant Professor Dr. Theppakorn Sitthiwanchai, Robotics Engineering instructor and team advisor; and Assistant Professor Noppadon Patchuen, Robotics Engineering instructor and team advisor.
The 14 student innovators behind the iRAP Robot rescue technology include Netinan Kuttanan and Napadon Jamratsri from the Electrical Measurement and Energy Engineering Department, Klayphat Boonlue and Thanakorn Kulsri from the Production and Robotics Engineering Department, Jesadakorn Chainaraphipat from Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Chayanin Thitikulwat and Sukritchai Homkrajai from Production and Robotics Engineering, Sermchat Leelasakulmigee from Electrical and Computer Engineering, Naphat Chanlam and Phatnadej Sri-anant from Mechatronics Technology at the Industrial Technology College, Siwakorn Panbanphaeo from Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sitthikorn Chathaisong from Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Methee Meesaeng from Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Supitcha Jitniyom from Production and Robotics Engineering.
Upon returning to Thailand on 8 July 2026, the iRAP Robot student innovators and faculty advisors were warmly welcomed at Suvarnabhumi Airport by Professor Dr. Thanin Sinjaru, KMUTNB President, along with university executives, faculty, staff, students, and representatives from KH Academy, the coordinating institution for the team during the competition. KH Academy's Founder, Mr. Boonpra Sanguanwong, and Co-Founder Director of Partner Relations, Ms. Wannawisa Panosot, joined the celebration of this achievement.
Assistant Professor Dr. Aran Butler, team advisor for iRAP Robot, revealed that this year marked the first time in RoboCup history that the Rescue Robot category saw a record 23 teams from 18 countries worldwide, creating intense competition from the start through the finals. With very limited time slots, the students had less than 20 minutes to prepare their robots after each match but demonstrated outstanding teamwork and problem-solving skills under pressure.
Although they earned 4th place and narrowly missed defending their championship this year, the team takes great pride in their ranking since the top three teams are all former world champions with long-standing histories. The experience and lessons learned will drive their development, and they promise to return next year to reclaim the world title for KMUTNB and Thailand.
Additionally, Assistant Professor Dr. Aran and the iRAP Robot team expressed gratitude to three major international sponsors: B. Grimm Power Public Company Limited (BGRIM), Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), and UNISON Co., Ltd. from South Korea, who supported their participation in the World RoboCup Rescue 2026 in Incheon from 30 June to 6 July 2026. KH Academy coordinated and supported the team throughout the competition. This private sector backing of educational institutions is a crucial driver for innovation, technology advancement, and empowering Thai youth to grow on the global stage. The team's 4th-place achievement clearly proves that Thai youth possess the skill and potential to compete among the world’s best.