Shibuya Hosts Creative Robotics Contest 2025 with Top Prize to Ayumu Kato

Shibuya Hosts Creative Robotics Contest 2025

On November 23, 2025, the Creative Robotics Contest 2025 took place in Shibuya at the GMO Internet Group's headquarters, "GMO Yours, Fukuras". This competition was co-hosted by Human Academy Co., Ltd., known for its educational initiatives, and the Research Institute of STREAM Education for Creating the Future (RISE). The event showcased the creativity and technical skills in robotics and programming among young participants.

The top accolade, the Creative Grand Prize, was awarded to Ayumu Kato, a first-year middle school student from Toyota Komaba classroom in Aichi Prefecture. His project, titled "Children's Subcutaneous Immunotherapy Kit II," originated from his personal experiences with subcutaneous immunotherapy. The robot he created aims to make the treatment process more enjoyable by integrating interactive quizzes and rewards, turning the often tedious process into a playful experience.

Highlights of the Event

- Ministry of Education Endorsement: The contest was endorsed by the Japanese Ministry of Education, highlighting its importance in promoting creativity in robotics.
- Awardees: In addition to the Grand Prize, other noteworthy achievements include Kayu Koike, a second-year high school student from Yamanashi Kofu Minami classroom, who won the gold medal in the Time Attack Race category after two years of near victories. Her perseverance in improving her robot paid off, earning her the long-awaited gold medal.

The event is a response to the evolving educational environment in Japan, where university entry systems are increasingly emphasizing not just knowledge but also creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. These new dimensions of evaluation align perfectly with the goals of initiatives like the Creative Robotics Contest, which serves to bolster students' credentials through demonstrated experience in inquiry-based learning.

Human Academy's focus on STEAM education has been evident in their robotic classroom programs and contests. With the increasing integration of technology into education, the contest invites participants from different backgrounds, promoting a broader recognition of the value of STREAM education among the general public.

Ayumu Kato's Award-Winning Project

Ayumu's robot, designed to assist in his daily immunotherapy sessions, cleverly incorporates playful elements to enhance engagement. For instance, while taking the medication, the robot can present quizzes or unlock a rewards drawer after a week of successful medication adherence. The integration of fun mechanics not only caught the judges' attention but also resonated with the audience, showcasing the potential of robotics to positively influence health routines.

Persistence Pays Off for Kayu Koike

On the other hand, Kayu Koike's gold medal in the Time Attack Race represents a significant achievement after two years of hard training. Her project was distinguished by its speed, which reflected her dedication and the improvements she made following previous contests. Each competitor’s story exemplifies the essence of this robotics competition—pursuing innovation through challenge and collaboration.

More Than Awards

This year, the contest awarded over 1 million yen among various categories, acknowledging both individual and classroom achievements. The involvement of schools such as Juntendo High School in the exhibition also highlighted the learning outcomes in robotics through the students' presentations.

Conclusion

The Creative Robotics Contest serves not only as a competition but as a pivotal event for nurturing future innovators and engineers. With backing from educational authorities and a focus on developing young talent in STEAM fields, the event is a clear indicator of the growing relevance of robotics in education. Viewers can revisit the highlights of the event on YouTube.