UIM Launches “Winter Robot Races” to Boost Youth Engagement

The UIM believes that powerboating competitions have recently attracted fewer participants. The reasons for this phenomenon are both the seasonality of the sport and the growing passion of young people for electronic gadgets.

In response, the UIM Council has taken a step to modernise youth engagement and expand off-season activity across the world of powerboating.

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🤖 Winter Robot Races Join UIM Formula Future

In a groundbreaking decision made during the 98th UIM General Assembly on 10 October, the UIM Council has officially adopted a new racing class — Winter Robot Races. This innovative format introduces a tabletop water-based competition to the Formula Future programme starting in 2026.

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💧 What Are Winter Robot Races?

Winter Robot Races form a separate Formula Future class where participants compete using surface and underwater radio-controlled boats in shallow tabletop pools. Designed to be accessible, affordable, and playable indoors, this concept aims to engage children as young as 3–4 years old and bridge traditional powerboating with digital-age interests.

Key features include:

• 2.4m x 2.5m water-filled playing field, 10–14 cm deep
• Microbuoys marking race courses, with five layout schemes available
• Monotype boats (Volantex RC H118 & H131) used across heats
• Qualification rounds, timed heats, and seasonal rankings
• Contact between boats and buoys permitted, with disqualification only for interference outside designated tracks

Participants can compete individually or as teams, with results tracked throughout the season to build rankings and encourage skill development.

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🏁 Race Formats and Courses

The adopted Rule 960.4.7 defines five official race course types:

1. Single Zigzag – straightforward slalom
2. Parallel Slalom – side-by-side timed runs
3. Match Race – head-to-head duels
4. Double Slalom – mirrored obstacle navigation
5. Round-Robin Race – rotational format with multiple heats

Each heat consists of two starts, with participants switching boats and tracks. The winner is determined by the lowest combined time.

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👥 Who Can Compete?

Unlike traditional Formula Future events, Winter Robot Races are open to both individuals and teams. Upon registration, each competitor receives a season-long ID number. Team rankings may combine individual performances as defined in each event’s Advance Program.

Stepladders are provided for younger participants to comfortably view the tabletop race field, ensuring inclusivity across all age groups.

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🧠 Why Winter Robots?

The proposal, submitted by Petr Pylaev and supported by the Formula Future Committee, was created to tackle declining youth participation in powerboating. It addresses key challenges such as:

• Seasonal limitations of outdoor racing
• Rising interest in electronics and robotics
• The need for affordable, technically simple entry points into the sport

By integrating radio-controlled boats and tabletop formats, the UIM hopes to attract new generations and keep engagement high all year long.