The Road to Geneva
In 2026 Plastal-Bot Builders won the AI for Good National Edition in Zambia and went on to represent the country at the AI for Good Robotics Competition in Geneva, Switzerland, where the team was recognised as a Finalist Team. This is the full story, from the first robot built on a hand-made practice field to the world stage.
Building for the national competition (March 2026)
The team designed, built and programmed their robot over several weeks, marking out a competition field by hand so they could practise the missions repeatedly in their own workshop.
Winning the national competition (April 2026)
Plastal-Bot Builders won the AI for Good National Edition in Zambia, earning the right to represent the country at the international competition in Geneva.
Preparing for Switzerland (May–June 2026)
With additional robotics kits donated by the international FIRST community, the team built and tested several competing prototypes, refining drivetrains, attachments and sensor behaviour.
Partners who made the journey possible
- MTN Zambia
- Zamtel
- KoBold Metals
- Absa Bank Zambia
- E-Mark
- EO Robotics Lab
- Government of Zambia
The international robotics community
Mr. Chandra Polisetty purchased and donated two complete LEGO robotics kits and two expansion kits, which allowed the team to build and test multiple prototypes in parallel. Technicbots provided ongoing technical mentorship throughout development.
- Technicbots (FIRST Tech Challenge Team 8565)
- Sounder Bots (FIRST Tech Challenge Team 23270)
- The Spartabots (FIRST Robotics Competition Team 2976)
Geneva — the world stage (July 2026)
At the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, the team competed against teams from around the world, demonstrated their robot to delegates, and was recognised as a Finalist Team at the AI for Good Robotics Competition.
Frequently asked questions
What competition did Plastal-Bot Builders compete in?
Plastal-Bot Builders won the AI for Good National Edition in Zambia in April 2026 and went on to compete in the AI for Good Robotics Competition at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, in July 2026, where the team was recognised as a Finalist Team.
Which country did Plastal-Bot Builders represent?
Plastal-Bot Builders represented Zambia at the international competition in Geneva, Switzerland.
Who supported the team’s journey to Switzerland?
Zambian organisations including MTN Zambia, Zamtel, KoBold Metals, Absa Bank Zambia, E-Mark, EO Robotics Lab and the Government of Zambia supported the team, alongside international robotics partners including Mr. Chandra Polisetty, Technicbots (FTC 8565), Sounder Bots (FTC 23270) and The Spartabots (FRC 2976).