An underwater robot. [Photo/Hangzhou Lingshan Scenic Spot]

A vast lake in Hangzhou is set to become a high-tech arena as underwater robots from across China gather for the 2026 Hangzhou International Embodied Robot Real-World Application Competition, scheduled for May 15 to 16 at Cloud Town in the city's Xihu district.

One of the event's highlights is the Underwater Robot Emergency Rescue Challenge, designed to showcase cutting-edge technologies in search and rescue operations.

Underwater robots, which include both remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles, play a vital role in exploring hazardous and hard-to-reach waters. Notable examples from China include the manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong, which has contributed significantly to marine exploration.

The outdoor segment of the competition will take place in the vast waters of Tongjian Lake, where real-world conditions such as wind, low visibility, and aquatic vegetation will test the robots' operational capabilities. Competitors must locate and retrieve five target objects placed at varying depths. For the first time, independent underwater cameras will provide live tracking, allowing spectators to witness the missions as if they were there.

An indoor contest will feature a digital simulation cockpit replicating complex rescue scenarios, such as searching for black boxes within a sunken ship. Participants will navigate virtual robots using sonar and other sensors, emphasizing spatial awareness, task planning, and precision.

With professional commentary and live broadcasts, the event aims to make advanced robotics accessible to the public while promoting technological innovation and real-world applications in emergency response.

The Tongjian Lake. [Photo/Hangzhou Lingshan Scenic Spot]