Next year, Dutch city The Hague will host the European Robotics League (ERL) 2026, an international competition where student teams from across Europe will develop robots to address real-world societal challenges. The official announcement took place this week in The Hague, featuring remarks from Saskia Bruines, Deputy Mayor for Finance, Culture and Economic Development of The Hague, and Inge Rehorst, International Project and Event Manager at euRobotics.
Organised every two years by euRobotics — the European non-profit association promoting research and innovation in robotics and artificial intelligence — the European Robotics League will come to the Netherlands for the first time in 2026. During the announcement, it was confirmed that the various challenges will take place along Scheveningen’s boulevard during the Ascension weekend.
According to Saskia Bruines, the event fits perfectly with the city’s innovative profile: “The Hague is known as the international city of peace and justice, but it is also an important centre for security and innovation. Here, organisations and companies work together on solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Hosting the European Robotics League highlights that The Hague is a place where technology and society truly come together.”
She added that Scheveningen’s combination of nature, busy public areas, and open spaces makes it an ideal testing ground: “This is not only a European competition, but also a catalyst for collaboration between governments, research institutions, technology partners, and residents. It’s a way to connect innovation directly to societal themes.”
Representing euRobotics, Inge Rehorst explained the background of the League: “The European Robotics League brings together teams that design, build, and test robots to tackle socially relevant challenges. The solutions developed during the competition often find their way into industry and research environments. It’s also a unique way to give young people hands-on experience with robotics and artificial intelligence.”
Beyond showcasing technological achievements, ERL 2026 aims to foster public engagement and dialogue about the role of robots in society. “The event is open and understandable for a broad audience,” Rehorst said. “Visitors can see firsthand how robotics contributes to solving real-world problems. That’s why we are thrilled to bring the League to The Hague next year.”
The announcement concluded with a symbolic gesture — a robot waiter delivering the tray for a celebratory toast, a playful reference to the mix of technology and hospitality that will characterise Scheveningen during the event.
The European Robotics League 2026 is organised in partnership with the Municipality of The Hague, the Province of South Holland, the cities of Rotterdam and Delft, and euRobotics, with support from the Living Lab Scheveningen.
The Rocking Robots team attended the announcement and produced a video interview with Saskia Bruines and Inge Rehorst, discussing what hosting the European Robotics League means for the city, the region, and Europe’s robotics ecosystem.
The European Robotics League 2026 will take place in spring 2026, around Ascension Day, along the Scheveningen boulevard.
