Melbourne Wins Bid to Host RoboCup 2028, Reinforcing AI and Robotics Ambitions
Melbourne will host RoboCup and the RoboCup Symposium in 2028, after securing one of the world's leading robotics and artificial intelligence events in a bid that further strengthens the city's position as a hub for technology-driven international congresses.
The successful bid was led by the Melbourne Convention Bureau in partnership with the RoboCup Federation, RMIT University and RoboCup Junior Australia, with support from the Victorian Government, Tourism Australia's Business Events Bid Fund and conference organiser ICMS Australasia. Scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event is expected to attract up to 3,000 delegates and around 15,000 spectators, generating an estimated economic impact of more than AU$14 million.
Founded to advance intelligent robotics through collaborative, real-world challenges, RoboCup is recognised as the world's largest robotics and artificial intelligence competition. The programme spans autonomous robot football, disaster response simulations, industrial logistics and manufacturing challenges, alongside RoboCupJunior, which introduces school students to robotics and AI through hands-on competition.
The event also reflects Melbourne and the state of Victoria's growing profile in advanced technologies. Home to internationally recognised universities, research institutes, technology start-ups and global industry partners, the region has developed a strong ecosystem across advanced manufacturing, automation, digital technologies and applied artificial intelligence—making it a natural setting for one of the sector's flagship global gatherings.
RoboCup adds to an expanding portfolio of technology-focused international meetings heading to Melbourne, including the inaugural Australian AI Summit in 2026, the IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces, and the International Conference on Neural Information Processing.
"Victoria is the ideal destination to host this incredible event, which will bring hundreds of world-leading researchers and innovators together and provide a major boost to our visitor economy. As a globally-recognised hub for technology, advanced manufacturing and digital innovation – we have the ecosystem needed to deliver an event like this which will help shape the future of robotics and AI," says Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Sport and Major Events.
"Melbourne is uniquely placed to host RoboCup 2028, combining a globally connected innovation ecosystem with the experience and infrastructure to deliver world-class international events. Bringing the world's brightest minds in robotics to Melbourne strengthens collaboration, inspires future generations and reinforces Victoria's reputation as a destination where innovation thrives," said Julia Swanson, Chief Executive, Melbourne Convention Bureau.
"The RoboCup Federation is delighted to return to Melbourne, which hosted RoboCup as one of the inaugural locations over a quarter of a century ago. The board of trustees unanimously acknowledged the depth and quality of the bid. The RoboCup community is happy to return to Australia!" said Ubbo Visser, President, RoboCup Federation.
"We're thrilled to support Melbourne in welcoming RoboCup and the RoboCup Symposium in 2028 through our Bid Fund Program. This event not only injects significant economic value into the local economy but also cements Australia's position as a premier destination for world-leading technology congresses," said Sally Cope, Executive General Manager Industry & Business Events, Tourism Australia.
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