Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

An intense day full of drama begins.

Gear up for ABU Robocon, the yearly Asia-Pacific Robot Contest.

Watch as students go head-to-head, showcasing their robot-making skills in a battle of technological prowess.

This year, robots take on the challenge of a super high-level ring toss game.

Watch as top-notch engineering teams, victorious in their home turf tournaments,

face off in an intense showdown, risking it all for glory.

Toss the Ring of Victory! ABU Robocon 2023 begins!

14 teams from 13 countries and regions compete in this tournament.

The host nation is Cambodia.

The game unfolds on a field inspired by the majestic Angkor Wat.

At the center of the field, there are a total of five poles: four type-2 poles, and one type-3 pole.

Also, the blue area and the red area each have three type-1 poles.

Each team may use two types of robots: the elephant and the rabbit.

First, the elephant robot collects the rings.

Next, it tosses the rings from anywhere in its own area.

Here, the elephant is aiming for the type-1 poles in its own area.

The rabbit robot can enter the elevated area in the middle.

The rabbit can aim for the center poles from closer, plus they can aim for the type-1 poles as well.

If the other team lands their ring on top of yours, that pole then becomes the opposition's.

This fight to claim and reclaim poles is a key factor of this game.

If a team manages to take control of all the poles on their side plus those in the center area,

it's called a Chey-Yo, and they win.

On this day, we visit Team Japan at Toyohashi University of Technology.

The Chief Team Japan Supporter for this year is musician Angelina 1/3.

Hello everyone!

This is her first time stepping into a Robocon training area.

Thanks for having me today.

I'm Kazuma, the leader of the team.

Thank you. Call me Angie!

Thanks, Angie!

This is Hiromoto Kazuma, leader of the Japanese team.

What got you into robots?

I've been into robots since I was little.

The World Expo was held in Aichi when I was a kid.

There was a huge line for the robotics booth, but even as a three-year-old, I did not complain and waited in the line.

That's how much I love robots.

When Kazuma saw the Robocon competition for the first time,

he was absolutely mesmerized by the world of robot-making.

As a member of the National Institute of Technology, Nara College team,

he went on to participate in the national Robocon championships.

However, his team couldn't win the title.

It became my goal to go to university, win the domestic tournament,

and then win the international competition as well.

That's what brings me here today.

Teams from 22 schools competed in the domestic tournament for the chance to represent Japan.

Each team brought their best robots to the competition.

However, only four teams were able to achieve Chey-Yo within the three minutes of game time.

And among them, the Toyohashi University of Technology team was by far the quickest, finishing in a mere 24 seconds.

Chey-Yo! In 24 seconds!

Piece of cake.

To fulfil their next goal of being the best in the world,

they hold training matches against other Japanese teams to constantly improve their time.

This is the rabbit robot.

The belt launches the rings that are set on the tray.

This is the elephant robot.

Equipped with three launch trays, it can make shots in quick succession.

Both robots are fitted with sensors that measure how far the poles are.

The robots use that data to calibrate the exact amount of force needed to make the shots.

Through hours and hours of training, the accuracy keeps improving, resulting in a better time.

What is your fastest Chey-Yo?

Just about 16 seconds.

That is so fast. Oh wow.

- 15.84 seconds, actually.
- What??

That's our best.

That's amazing!

They also have this on the wall to remind themselves of their ultimate goal.

I was the one who put this up first.

I want to especially beat China and Hong Kong, for the sake of last year's Team Japan.

Let's win the world title in Cambodia!

In the preliminary round, teams are divided into five groups.

From these teams, eight teams will advance to the final tournament.

Team Japan is in Group E, along with Team Thailand.

If they can win against Thailand twice in a row, they'll seal their spot in the final tournament.

It's Team Japan's first match.

Many supporters have come all the way to Cambodia to cheer on their team.

Team Japan's challenge for the world title begins.

Their opponent, Team Thailand, is a powerful rival that has won the title before.

Representing the country is Thatum Industrial and Community Education College.

Their robot uses air pressure to shoot out the rings.

The rules state that the maximum number of rings that may be used per team in a match is 40.

And we're off.

Japan, in the red area, has collected ten rings without a hitch.

Thailand's elephant robot is moving close to the type-1 pole.

The Japanese rabbit collects the ring smoothly!

Whoa! The Thai elephant claims one type-1 pole.

The Japanese elephant takes time to set its aim, and releases three at once! Two go in.

If Team Japan can claim these four poles, they will achieve Chey-Yo and win.

Japan's elephant and rabbit work together to claim pole after pole.

One more to go for a Chey-Yo!

Will this go in? Yes, it does!

It's a Chey-Yo!

Japan achieves a Chey-Yo in exactly 20 seconds.

Let's take a closer look.

Almost immediately after collecting the rings, the elephant was able to claim the closest type-1 pole.

And then, the rabbit and elephant released several rings at the same time and claimed three more.

The elephant went on to claim the remaining type-1 pole, while the rabbit claimed two more type-2s.

The elephant then claimed the final pole.

Japan wins, breaking their own record from the Japanese championships.

They are off to a good start.

The pit crew comes to check up on the robot for the next match.

Right now, I am wiping the wheels, since the floor isn't too good.

In the next match, five-time winner Team China takes the field.

The team from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China won the domestic competition with a 19-second Chey-Yo.

They could very well be the strongest team in this competition.

China's elephant robot is the secret to their unmatched strength.

With incredible smoothness, the robot glides on the floor, picking up rings with ease.

It comes to a halt in front of the start zone and then begins shooting.

They are the top team in terms of the speed of launching the rings, utilizing two launchers.

It's not only quick, but also extremely accurate.

The rings are launched by the rotating belts on the top and bottom.

They aim for their quickest Chey-Yo yet with their extremely fast consecutive launching technique.

They are favorites to win this tournament!

I want to give my best performance in the ABU Robocon competition.

We will win and bring glory to China.

China faces the team from host nation Cambodia.

The locals cheer on their team.

When Cambodia first competed in ABU Robocon in 2017,

they shocked the world by claiming a famous victory over powerhouse Team China.

This feat set off a Robocon boom in Cambodia.

And the National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia, who beat Team China in 2017, won the 2023 national title.

It's a month before the competition, and the team is working to improve their robots.

What are their robots like?

This is their rabbit robot.

The two rollers shoot out the rings.

Great shot.

And this is their elephant robot.

Oh no.

It actually is not finished.

Having watched footage of the teams they'll be facing,

they came to the conclusion that they would need to add another launching pad to stand a chance.

This is Soun Vanluch, in charge of planning and controlling the elephant robot.

He suggested that they remake the robot, as he wants to do all he can to represent his country in the best way possible.

When I saw the footage of Team Japan and Team China,

I noticed that they were able to achieve Chey-Yo at such a high speed.

I'm not sure if we can win right now, but I am aiming to be as quick as them.

I'm sure that everybody will be surprised when they see the final product.

Still, it is very difficult to remake the robot in just one month.

But they've got a plan to make that possible: living in tents!

They live here to devote their entire being to the competition.

Lovely little setup.

Let's now visit Soun's house!

This is my older sister and mother.

When I first heard that he was making robots, I thought that he was joking.

He was staying overnight at school.

I was certain that he was up to no good.

But one day, he handed me a ticket to his match,

and I saw his team win and be named Team Cambodia.

I was impressed.

I thought that he was simply studying.

So, I was very surprised to find out that he was creating robots!

The thought of robots never entered Soun's mother's mind before, but recently, she thinks about them a lot.

I would like for him to create robots that can clean and do the dishes for me.

I hope that my son will succeed.

I know he can achieve great things.

And now, their first match begins.

It seems like they have remade their elephant robot in time.

But will they be able to beat Team China's amazingly fast robots?

And we're off.

China's rabbit robot leaps into the air! It moves like it's alive!

Cambodia also goes to get their rings.

But China is already starting to launch from the elephant robot.

Such smooth and rapid shooting!

Will Cambodia make it in time?

The poles are quickly being claimed by China.

In just 19 seconds, China claims all poles except one type-2.

Only one to go.

Will China take it? Yes, they do!

Chey-Yo, in just 21 seconds!

Team China achieve Chey-Yo in just 21 seconds.

They actually pulled this off using only the elephant robot.

Their speed is on another level.

Team Cambodia could do nothing against lightning-fast China.

They absolutely must win their next match to escape elimination.

I am disappointed.

We tried our best, but China was too fast.

We will do our best in the next match to get a Chey-Yo as quickly as possible.

Team Japan's Kazuma is fired up, having witnessed China's amazing Chey-Yo.

China, we will have to think about later.

Right now, we just need to focus on the next match.

Vietnam, who has the most Robocon titles, takes the field to play their first match.

Their opponent, Team India.

Their supporters are as excited as can be.

Gujarat Technological University is representing India.

Their robot uses two spinning rollers to launch the rings.

Having prepared mentally for the match, Team India has arrived in Cambodia in an ideal state of mind.

The match begins.

Vietnam's elephant robot moves smoothly on the field.

It collects the rings on one side, and then the other side as well.

Moving very fast. India, in blue, seems to be lagging behind.

Vietnam prepares for launching, and shoots out the rings quickly!

Vietnam just needs two more poles for a Chey-Yo!

It goes into type-1, and the other one... it's good!

Chey-Yo, in 21 seconds! Team Vietnam wins!

Team Vietnam impresses, achieving a 21-second Chey-Yo.

The battle intensifies!

Here's Team Cambodia, who lost the first match.

They still have a chance of making it to the final tournament.

However, they will need to achieve a Chey-Yo to make that happen.

Can they keep their dream alive?

This match will determine their fate!

They go up against Team Sri Lanka.

The match is under way. Both teams are off to collect the rings.

Cambodia needs a Chey-Yo in order to advance.

Cambodia's elephant robot is collecting the rings.

The arm secures the rings with precision.

All they have to do now is get them on the poles.

On the other hand, Team Sri Lanka is struggling to get their elephant robot moving.

The Cambodian rabbit starts launching, and goes in!

They'll next aim for the other type-2 at the back.

They aim carefully...

It goes in! That's two for Cambodia!

The elephant robot also starts launching!

It doesn't go in.

Once again, they aim carefully. Will it go in?

Yes, it does!

And another on goes in!

The crowd is really cheering them on!

While the elephant robot was getting the type-2 pole, the rabbit robot got the type-3.

Their teamwork is on point!

Team Cambodia is claiming pole after pole.

While the elephant sets its aim for the type-2 pole, the rabbit gets the remaining type-1 pole!

And the crowd goes wild!

Only one more type-2 to go for a Chey-Yo!

Can they pull it off?

Yes, they can!

2 minutes and 3 seconds, they did it! The host nation's team wins!

The elephant captures the last type-2 pole, and they achieve a Chey-Yo!

They power through with their pride as the host nation and advance to the final tournament!

Here is Japan's second match in the preliminary round.

The rabbit robot shows off its amazing jump.

Clinching a Chey-Yo in 21 seconds, Japan advances to the final tournament!

We did it!

We did it!

The preliminary matches have ended, and this is the ranking of Chey-Yo times.

In first place is Team China, with 19 seconds.

Japan and Vietnam follow, trailing only by a few seconds.

Last year's champions, Hong Kong, marked a 35-second Chey-Yo.

The final tournament begins.

How fast will the teams be able to get a Chey-Yo?

In the first quarter final match, Team China, boasting a 19-second Chey-Yo, takes the field.

Facing China is Team Nepal, who placed eighth in the preliminaries.

The Chinese robots move quickly, and the rabbit has leapt again!

Blue team Nepal is headed towards the center to get the rings, but China is already in position to launch.

China's elephant is launching, and look at that speed!

They quickly claim the poles, and they've done it!

That's a Chey-Yo in a mere 16 seconds!

They have shown outrageous speed!

Team Nepal can only look on in shock and awe.

Team China successfully claims all of the poles using only the elephant robot.

With flawless control, they set a new record.

Their performance shocks everyone in the competition.

Can any team even come close to their level?

The second quarterfinal match of the day features Team Hong Kong, champions of the previous competition.

With solid performances from their robots, the team brushed aside Japan, China, and Indonesia to clinch the Robocon 2022 title.

July.

We visit the Chinese University of Hong Kong's training room.

The robot they have prepared places emphasis on stability rather than speed.

This is their elephant robot.

It moves quickly, gathering the rings.

Once in position, it is able to launch the rings to every single pole using its two launch pads without moving an inch.

This is their rabbit robot.

First, it collects the rings.

Once in position, it can hit all poles without moving at all, just like the elephant.

This is made possible by this unique circular rail.

It allows the robots to accurately launch rings in any direction without moving the robot itself.

Once in position, all they have to do is just launch the rings.

Our strength is in stability.

Missing the target would mean letting rings go to waste.

By not missing any shots we take, we can build an advantage over the opposition.

Another strength of this team is this relaxed atmosphere.

This is actually a tradition that is passed down here.

They work hard as much as possible, and relax and have fun when they can.

That leads to their best performance.

On the day before the tournament, Angie visits the team.

They take pictures...

And do a little dance...

Seems like they're ready! The only thing left to do now is wait for the match.

In the preliminary round, they successfully achieved Chey-Yo in 35 seconds.

They are up against Team Indonesia, who successfully got a Chey-Yo in 53 seconds.

Indonesia is a powerhouse that competed against Hong Kong in the 2022 final.

Both are off to a steady start to collect the rings.

Speed-wise, they are almost the same.

Now, which team can start launching first?

Both teams line up their shots.

Who will shoot first?

It's Hong Kong, in red, who launches first, aiming for the type-1 poles in the front!

Indonesia also starts shooting.

Rings are flying everywhere.

It's a battle for the poles! Indonesia seems to have more missed shots.

One more to go for Hong Kong, and it goes in!

They did it! In 31 seconds, Hong Kong wins!

Victory for Hong Kong, Chey-Yo in 31 seconds!

Both started launching the rings almost at the same time.

However, when you look at the field, there are no red rings on the ground.

Hong Kong's high accuracy rate was what sealed their win.

The Hong Kong team, who advanced to the semifinals are having a good time mingling with the local Robocon staff!

Their next opponent is the quick and formidable China,

but these defending champions don't seem to be stressing at all.

Next up is Vietnam, who achieved a 21-second Chey-Yo in the preliminaries.

Their opponent is once again, India, who secured their place in the quarterfinals with an impressive Chey-Yo.

The battle commences.

Vietnam in blue moves swiftly.

They have collected their rings, and the rabbit enters the central area.

They are ready to launch.

On the other hand, the Indian elephant seems not to be moving.

It looks like they're having trouble starting.

Vietnam goes on and launches the rings.

They aim for type-2, and are successful.

One more to go, just the one in front of the elephant, but they seem to be struggling.

They keep missing.

What about India?

They had trouble in the beginning, but are now ready to launch, and one goes in type-2!

Will it go in this time for Vietnam?

Yes, it does!

One more to go for type-2, and they're successful.

Chey-Yo! Victory for Vietnam!

Vietnam lost time struggling with the type-1 pole.

Their record was 35 seconds.

They couldn't beat their own record this time.

Japan takes the field for the last quarterfinals match.

Their opponent is the team representing Cambodia.

The crowd roars in support of the home team.

Although they are surrounded by fans of the home team, Team Japan hypes up their fans.

Oh, the Japanese elephant robot is not moving at all.

Will they be able to recover from this?

Now it's moving!

Their rabbit is ready to get the rings, they've got them now, they load and...

They launch and it's good!

Red team Cambodia also makes the shot.

But Japan reclaims the pole right after.

Now, one more for Japan in the back!

Cambodia needs to claim the pole in front of them.

Japan goes for it... and they get it!

That's a Chey-Yo in 34 seconds!

Japan makes it to the semifinals!

Though defeated, Team Cambodia, the home team, are full of smiles.

It was amazing.

Though some poles were taken by the opponent, Japan kept attacking and didn't back down.

It was so great!

I could see their teamwork, and even though the Cambodian crowd was going wild,

they didn't let that bother them and kept at it.

They were great.

The Japanese pit crew swiftly removes dirt and dust on the wheels.

The Cambodian team comes over to the Japanese team.

Soun's year-long challenge for the top has come to an end, but his family is there to congratulate him.

I could really feel that desire to win.

You might have lost this time, but you should be proud of yourself.

I was nervous, but the cheers from my family and the crowd gave me strength.

I think that's why I was able to advance to the quarterfinals.

The journey of the Cambodian team ends here.

ABU Robocon 2023.

All the semifinalists have been confirmed.

Who will make it to the top?

Here's the first semifinal match.

China and Hong Kong clash in an intense battle.

China has displayed astonishing speed, setting the record with a jaw-dropping 16-second Chey-Yo.

With incredibly stable performances, Hong Kong has breezed through match after match.

China has the upper hand in terms of speed, but Hong Kong has a clever strategy up their sleeve.

It's the Chey-Yo Block.

Let's take a close look.

This strategy is a way to battle opponents that are faster.

Even if the opponent claims the poles quickly,

it is possible to keep them from achieving Chey-Yo by defending the most critical poles no matter what.

And once the opponent begins making mistakes, Hong Kong will go on the offensive with full force.

This strategy is only possible because of Hong Kong's stable performance.

Will this strategy work against China?

China starts with its rabbit leaping again!

The elephants of both teams go to collect their rings.

China is now ready to launch.

And they shoot ring after ring with amazing speed!

They quickly claim the poles; will they be able to win smoothly?

As expected, China's astonishing speed allows them to strike and claim the poles swiftly.

Until now, the elephant did all the work, but now, the rabbit also joins in on the action.

At this point, there's only one pole left for China to claim.

Will China win?

Oh, Hong Kong claims the type-3 pole, and succeeds in preventing a Chinese Chey-Yo!

China was an inch away from victory, but right before China could claim their last pole, Hong Kong claimed the type-3 pole.

Their strategy is successful.

Now, China's robots seem not to be moving!

Hong Kong is now on the offensive! The poles are quickly turning blue.

One more left.

And they've done it! Hong Kong's victory, Chey-Yo in 41 seconds!

They defeat their speedy rivals with strategy!

China, the clear favorites, shockingly go out in the semifinal!

Just like in the previous matches, China planned to clinch a Chey-Yo with their speed.

Hong Kong's focus however was to prevent China from doing just that.

They would claim only important poles that would deter China from winning.

As China kept launching its rings all the while, the elephant robot eventually ran out of rings to toss.

Seeing this, Hong Kong quickly went on the counter attack to claim all the poles and secure a Chey-Yo.

It was hard controlling the robots.

I was so nervous that my thumbs were trembling the whole time.

Hong Kong will face either Japan or Vietnam in the final.

They are ready to take whichever team wins.

There's that little dance again!

China surprisingly exits in the semifinal.

It was an unexpected turn of events for Japan.

We were most worried about China, so the pressure is off now.

But we have to win the next one, either way.

We'll do our best.

Right before the match against Vietnam, the Japanese team analyzes their opponent's robots and their strategies.

They missed that.

They missed again.

They aim for type-3... and claim it.

And they go on to target the ones in the back.

And then they're done.

The elephant will do most of the work.

Japan also trained for their Chey-Yo Block strategy, like Hong Kong.

They simulate this situation.

Two more rings left for the opponent, 30 seconds left on the clock.

The robotics team intends to aim for the type-3 pole at the final seconds of the match to win.

Seeing this made Angie realize that speed is not all there is to Chey-Yo.

Seeing this in person, I really understand how important stability and accuracy are.

Chey-Yo isn't just about rushing.

These two teams are at the same level in terms of speed.

Will this match come down to strategy?

Vietnam's weapon is the ability to fire in quick succession.

Will this lead them to their eighth Robocon title?

Japan, in blue sets off to secure a place in the final match.

Vietnam is quick.

The rabbit is off to collect the rings already.

And now Vietnam starts launching.

They miss one, but they quickly claim the other poles!

Vietnam uses their speed to their advantage.

In just 14 seconds, they are one pole away from a Chey-Yo.

Japan begins their Chey-Yo Block strategy.

Japan takes back the poles, including the type-3.

Okay, you're doing well.

You can do it!

Vietnam fires back, and there's an intense battle for the type-2 poles.

Now, both teams have to be careful of how many rings they use up.

The colors keep on changing constantly, blue, red, blue, red.

They're also fighting for the type-3 pole now!

Japan seems to have not claimed any type-1 poles yet.

They're working on the central area-what is their plan here?

This game isn't just about speed, but strategy as well.

Both are firing, and poles are quickly changing colors.

It seems that Vietnam seems to be missing more shots.

We're almost a minute into the match.

Who will end up on top?

Neither team wants to concede a Chey-Yo.

So both teams will want to get one for themselves.

Who will get that opportunity? This battle is intense!

Vietnam is going for a retry here.

This is a huge chance for Japan!

At this point, Japan has claimed all the poles in the central area.

They only need to get these three poles to win.

Will Japan be able to make use of this opportunity?

The elephant makes one shot!

The rabbit goes for another... and gets it!

One more left...

And in it goes!

It's a Chey-Yo for Japan!

1 minute and 19 seconds! They advance to the final match!

This is what we wanted to show you guys! Japan is not about speed!

With accurate shooting, they successfully prevent the opponent from getting a Chey-Yo.

Their hard training has paid off.

Vietnam, who has the most Robocon titles, ends their journey here.

The Japanese team prepares for the final by performing maintenance on their robots.

One more. We have to stay focused!

I'm really chill, so I'm lucky to have a leader like him.

Team Hong Kong is advancing to the final two years in a row.

They seem to be in battle mode.

Time has come for the final match.

Hong Kong successfully prevented speedster China's Chey-Yo.

Japan has a faster Chey-Yo record. Will they use that speed against Hong Kong?

The match for the world title is now underway.

Blue team Japan's robot swiftly moves to the central area.

Hong Kong's robot also moves up.

Japan's robot is ready to launch, but does not.

The rabbit fires, and it goes in!

What about Hong Kong?

It goes in the type-1, but Japan quickly gets it back.

Neither team has missed a single shot so far.

Hong Kong makes it in the type-3 pole, but Japan gets it back right away.

Hong Kong gets a type-2.

Both teams take their time, carefully reacting to each other's strategy.

Both are focused on thwarting the opponent's chance of a Chey-Yo.

Both do not miss a shot, and it's a battle of stability and accuracy.

What a match for the final. It's a real see-saw match!

Hong Kong does not fire at the type-2 poles in front of them.

They battle for the type-3 and the type-2 poles on Japan's side.

The type-3 is claimed now by Hong Kong.

It's an even match, and now Japan takes the center pole!

Oh my! Both miss a shot for the type-3 pole!

In a battle where one missed shot can prove fatal, both sides miss their shot on type-3.

Hong Kong takes the type-3 pole, but Japan's rabbit takes a shot and regains control of it!

But Hong Kong takes it back again!

And now Japan!

Blue, red, Japan, Hong Kong. The colors just keep on changing!

Japan's rabbit begins gathering rings.

Seeing this, Hong Kong does the same...

But they fail to get all of them!

It's a chance for Japan!

The rabbit aims for the type-2 in the back, the elephant gets a type-1.

The rabbit aims for type-3... and gets it!

If Japan can get this last pole, they achieve a Chey-Yo.

The rabbit takes a shot for the world title.

It goes in! Chey-Yo for Japan!

Japan gloriously wins the title for the first time in ten years!

Wow, they won!

It was amazing, they did so well out there.

We did it!

This long battle is now over, so I think I'll take a break for a while.

I'm really happy that we won, but at the same time, I'm a little sad, since my Robocon days are all over.

Thank you!

Team Japan, represented by Toyohashi University of Technology clinched the world title.

Congratulations!

Congratulations! You were great.

How was the match?

A lot happened, but I'm really happy that my dream came true.

But this is just the beginning.

I want the next generations to keep this trend going,

showing the world that Japan has what it takes to compete at the top level.

High five!

ABU Robocon was held in its full, physical form for the first time in four years, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

What does Robocon mean to these young engineers?

Build cool stuff, make new friends, have fun.

I guess that's it. That's what Robokon is for me.

Bringing me to a wider view that allows me to open my eyes to the brighter future.

Unique chance to show that we also can do something.

The young engineers will set off, taking this experience at Robocon as a lesson for the future.

There will be a day in the near future, when new challengers, who burn with passion, fire up the crowd at ABU Robocon!