Physics Understanding
Grasp object properties, spatial relationships, and real-world dynamics.
The 2nd edition · IROS 2026
Build together.
Think beyond.
The Robotic Collaborative Assembly Challenge
01 — The challenge
Assembly is the ultimate test for Physical AI.
The RoCo (Robotic Collaborative) Assembly Challenge evaluates embodied agents where theory meets the physical world. Robots must perceive, reason, coordinate their actions, and recover while building useful structures from parts.
Dexterous Manipulation
Handle varied components with precision, force awareness, and control.
Long-Horizon Reasoning
Manage multi-step dependencies and recover intelligently from failures.
Generalization
Adapt learned skills to unfamiliar tasks, parts, and environments.
02 — Competition tracks
Choose your assembly challenge.
Teams select one of two benchmark tasks, each designed to test a different frontier of robotic intelligence.
Track 01Precision · Dexterity · Practicality
Industrial Board Assembly
Perform industrial-level operations such as connector insertion, wire routing, screw tightening, and battery assembly.
Explore this track →Track 02
Long-Horizon Reasoning · Generalization · Creativity
Brick Assembly
Construct customized structures from a set of bricks through precise manipulation and long-horizon planning.
Explore this track →03 — In action
From simulation to reality.
See the two competition tracks across virtual and physical environments.
04 — How to participate
Your route to the onsite finals.
The challenge progresses from registration and proposal review through simulation, culminating in a four-day onsite event at IROS 2026.
- 01Register
Choose your track
Complete the initial sign-up form with your team and task preference.
- 02Propose
Submit your approach
Submit your competition proposal; preliminary simulation results are recommended.
- 03Simulate
Build and benchmark
Develop your policy and submit results during the June–August simulation phase.
- 04Compete
Meet in Pittsburgh
Selected finalists compete onsite at IROS 2026 in September.
Teams must complete steps 1 and 2. The initial sign-up is a prerequisite for the official proposal.
05 — Key dates
The road to Pittsburgh.
Completed milestones are marked in muted text. The final stage takes place live at IROS.
View the detailed agenda →- 2026Registration opens
- 2026Info sessionWatch recording ↗
- 2026Proposal deadline
- 2026Pre-finalists announced
- 2026Leaderboard closes & finalists announced
- 2026Hardware arrival & setup
- 2026 · IROSOnsite robotic hackathon
- 2026 · IROSFinal competition & awards
06 — Awards
$20K prize pool.
Two tracks. Six winners.
Thanks to our generous sponsors, the top three teams in each track receive cash prizes and certificates.
Track 01
Industrial Board Assembly
- 🥇 First place$5,000
- 🥈 Second place$3,000
- 🥉 Third place$2,000
Track 02
Brick Assembly
- 🥇 First place$5,000
- 🥈 Second place$3,000
- 🥉 Third place$2,000
