Competing in a simulation-based event using the Choreonoid platform on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the student team secured 1st place in the Athletics category, 3rd place in the Sprint (Short-track) category, and 3rd place in the Dance category.
UGM Robotics Team Competes Using Choreonoid Platform in Japan
The competing group, known as the Humanoid Elins Research Club (ERC) from UGM’s Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, included students ranging from undergraduate to doctoral levels. During the simulation-based event, the team utilized two specific research robots: the UGM ESR Robot and the ESR V2 Robot. According to Hizkia Imanuel Prasetya, Captain of the UGM Humanoid Robot Team, the group faced distinct hurdles during the competition. “We achieved this despite facing challenges regarding limited information and language barriers on the Japanese-based simulation platform,” Hizkia stated on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Before entering the simulation phase, the team spent considerable time on design and preparation. Bernardinus Farel Radhitya P., another team member, explained that integrating 3D designs to make them ready for simulation took up to two months. This initial phase was followed by a three-month testing period aimed at determining the optimal final robot configuration.
Mathematical Models Drive Success in Sprint and Athletics Categories
Technical excellence played a central role in the team’s high placement in the track events. Team member Adi Sucipto noted that the success of the UGM ESR V2 Robot depended directly on the precision of the mathematical model the team developed. This reliability allowed UGM to secure 3rd place in the Sprint category with a time of 10.60 seconds.
In the Athletics category, UGM achieved 1st place by standing out as the only team to successfully navigate two obstacle sectors, designated as 1st Left and 2nd Left. By comparison, opposing teams managed to clear only one obstacle during the same challenge. “A precise mathematical model can produce a robot simulation that closely mimics human movement,” Adi said, adding that the robot’s legs appeared to hover in a manner resembling a person running.
Dance Category Performance and Point Deductions
In the Dance category, the UGM team integrated robot movements inspired by the traditional Balinese Kecak dance alongside “tutting” moves and parody elements. However, the performance encountered technical setbacks during the simulation.
Hizkia noted that the robot fell during the simulation, which led to a direct point deduction. He also acknowledged that the routine’s additional movements were too simple and lacked proper legwork. “This point deduction is the reason we had to settle for third place,” Hizkia explained.
Future Outlook for UGM Robotics Innovation
Looking ahead, the team hopes to secure continued moral and financial support from the university to maintain the continuity of their robotics research. Because this competition marked their first time participating in the simulation event, team members indicated an intention to return for next year’s challenge. “Since this was our first time participating in the simulation competition, we hope to take part again next year,” Bernardinus said.
