South Africa’s Next Generation of Engineers Takes Centre Stage at Robo-Rumble

Young innovators from across South Africa gathered in Soweto on Saturday, 17 October, for the national finale of AlgoAtWork’s Robo-Rumble 2026, powered by Engen. The competition put robotics, engineering and programming front and centre through practical, hands-on challenges.

The event comes as youth unemployment remains a significant challenge in South Africa. Statistics South Africa reported an unemployment rate of 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026, rising to 47.4% among young people aged 15 to 34. Robo-Rumble helps young people build practical skills, develop confidence and explore pathways into technology-related careers.

“Robo-Rumble is about recognising the potential among young South Africans and creating opportunities for them to demonstrate it. Young people need more than exposure to technology; they need opportunities to experiment, solve problems and apply what they have learnt,” says Donnel Muchinguri, Lead for Partnerships and Projects at AlgoAtWork.

The competition featured three categories: Robo Wars, where participants designed and built combat robots; Autonomous Grand Prix, which tested their ability to programme vehicles to navigate a racing circuit; and Technomania, an open innovation category encouraging students to develop and present their own technical projects and ideas.

As artificial intelligence (AI) and automation reshape the world of work, practical technology skills are becoming increasingly valuable. Robo-Rumble gives participants the opportunity to apply classroom learning, troubleshoot challenges, collaborate with peers and explore emerging technologies.

Engen’s support highlights the role of private-sector partnerships in expanding access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning opportunities.

“Developing the next generation of talent requires collaboration and investment in opportunities that allow young people to explore, experiment and build practical skills,” says Langutela Siweya, Senior Manager: Customer Loyalty and Digital Innovations at Engen.

Muchinguri emphasises that the competition’s impact extends beyond winning. By encouraging experimentation, persistence and problem-solving, Robo-Rumble helps young people recognise their potential and explore opportunities in further education, technical training and entrepreneurship.

The 2026 category winners were:

Technomania: AEGIS
Robo Wars: Tuka Curious Minds
Autonomous Grand Prix: KG Bot

For the winners and participants alike, Robo-Rumble offers more than a competition. It provides a platform to showcase talent, strengthen technical capabilities and inspire the next generation of South African engineers and innovators.