The Maestro-Evo Robotics Team of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) has once again demonstrated its standing as one of Indonesia’s leading student robotics teams. At the 2026 National ABU Indonesia Robot Contest (KRAI), held at the University of Jember from July 9 to 12, 2026, the team secured second place nationally and won the Best Strategy award, in recognition of the best strategy applied throughout the competition.
The achievement was the result of a long process undertaken by the team in designing, developing, testing, and refining their robots in line with the 2026 ABU Robocon theme, “Kung Fu Quest.” In addition to presenting robots with a high level of precision, the team was also required to develop effective match strategies to complete each challenge quickly and accurately.
Throughout the competition, Maestro-Evo performed consistently and advanced to the final round. The team’s ability to combine technological innovation with well-planned match strategies became one of the key factors behind its success, which was further recognized through the Best Strategy award.
The supervising lecturer of the Maestro-Evo Robotics Team, Dr. Herlambang Sigit Pramono, said the achievement was the result of the students’ dedication after months of intensive preparation. “This achievement is the result of the hard work, discipline, and collaboration of all team members. They were not only required to produce reliable robots, but also to think quickly in formulating strategies for each match. The Best Strategy award shows that UNY students have strong analytical skills, creativity, and teamwork,” he said.
According to Herlambang, Maestro-Evo’s success also reflects UNY’s commitment to building a learning ecosystem based on research and innovation. Through various robotics competitions, students are encouraged to develop competencies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while also producing innovative solutions relevant to industrial development. These efforts are in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on Quality Education, which emphasizes improving the quality of learning and mastery of 21st-century skills.
The robotics development carried out by the Maestro-Evo Team also supports SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure through the creation of engineering-based technology that fosters a culture of innovation in higher education. The team’s success is also the result of synergy among students, supervising lecturers, and institutional support, reflecting the implementation of SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.
KRAI is one of the most prestigious national robotics competitions, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. In 2026, a total of 28 teams from leading universities across Indonesia competed for the national championship title.
Maestro-Evo’s achievement further strengthens UNY’s position as a university that consistently develops outstanding talent in science, technology, engineering, and innovation. This accomplishment proves that continuous student development can produce graduates who not only excel in competitions, but are also ready to contribute to technological advancement for the nation.
