I am Michihiro Hayashi, a faculty advisor for the KOSEN Robocon (KOSEN Robot Contest) team. The National Competition of the KOSEN Robocon was held on Sunday, November 16th, 2025, at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Team A of ICT, mainly composed of students from Kanazawa Campus, participated in the event. This was ICT’s first appearance at the national competition in three years, since 2022.

KOSEN Robocon features a different theme every year, requiring teams to design and build new robots from scratch between the theme announcement in mid-April and the regional competition in early October. This year’s theme was “Great High Gate,” where robots had to stack cardboard boxes to create a gate and pull a cart carrying a team member through it. The higher the gate, the higher the score. At the Tokai-Hokuriku regional competition, ICT’s team “Koubako Club” won the Technical Award and advanced to the national competition via the judges’ recommendation.

For more information about the regional competition, please see the article [NHK KOSEN Robocon 2025, Tokai-Hokuriku Regional Competition].

After the regional competition, we worked on improving the robot for the nationals. First, we increased its travel speed by replacing gears and sprockets in the drive mechanism, achieving about 1.7 times faster movement. We also upgraded the claw mechanism for gripping boxes and fine-tuned the control program, doubling its speed. However, the faster movement made operation more challenging, and the student in charge of driving the robot struggled at first. To overcome this, we practiced not only on the Kanazawa campus but also at YUMEKOBO — a makerspace for students to freely create and experiment— simulating real match conditions until the operator became more comfortable with the controls.

At Ryogoku Kokugikan, the venue for the national competition, robots had to be transported between inspection areas, test runs, and waiting zones without elevators, requiring significant manpower. We asked two 5th year students who participated last year to help. Thanks to their willingness, we were able to attend the national competition as a six-member team.

In the tournament, we faced Hiroshima KOSEN’s “Itsukushima” in the first round and won 290–10. In the second round, we lost to Akashi KOSEN’s “Stackmate” 250–375. The Akashi team advanced further but was defeated by the eventual champion from Asahikawa KOSEN in the semifinals.

Roles at the national competition differed slightly from the regional event, so we asked each member for their thoughts.

Comments from Team A Members:

[Haruki Ota]
　

As the team leader and the operator, I found controlling the faster robot challenging. In the first match, I made a slight mistake with left and right, but overall, I managed to control the robot without any major errors.

 

 

[Haruto Shiraishi]
I was responsible for situational judgment and giving movement instructions. Using my experience as the operator in the regional tournament, I could make accurate decisions and guide the robot effectively.

 

 

 

[Imaru Oishi]
　

I continued riding the cart at nationals. My costume was upgraded with an original apron, giving me a market vendor look. I was happy to show off smooth movements without spinning around like some other team’s robots.

 

 

[Shiyu Sano]
Known as “Prayer Shiyu” from the regional broadcast ending scene, I handled robot maintenance in the pit. With almost no opportunity for test runs at nationals, every adjustment and check required intense focus.

 

 

 

[Ryuto Hashiya]
I assisted in transporting robots and tools inside the venue. My experience from last year’s regional competition was helpful. Sharing meals with teammates in Ryogoku was also a great memory.

[Sansar Sergelen]
I helped in the pit and set up gates during the preparation time. Thanks to my height, I could place the topmost box on the gate. The yakitori in Ryogoku was delicious!

We plan to continue participating in KOSEN Robocon in the coming years. I hope that seeing the seniors’ efforts will inspire younger students to join.

 

I am Michihiro Hayashi, and I serve as a faculty advisor for the KOSEN Robocon (KOSEN Robot Contest) teams.

The Tokai-Hokuriku Regional Competition of the KOSEN Robocon is an annual event in which our students regularly participate, was held on Sunday, October 5th, 2025. This year, we joined the competition with a total of 12 students: four students from Kanazawa Campus as Team A, and eight students from Hakusanroku Campus as Team B.

Each year, the contest features a different theme, requiring teams to design and build entirely new robots between the theme announcement in mid-April and the regional competition in early October. The 2025 theme was “Great High Gate.” Robots were tasked with stacking cardboard boxes to form a gate, through which a cart carrying a team member would be pulled by the robot. The higher the gate, the more points awarded.

Let me introduce the teams and their robots.

Team A: Koubako Club (Kanazawa Campus)

Team A consists of four 4th year students. Their robot was inspired by the local delicacy Koubako-gani (female snow crab), and its role was to transport a pre-assembled gate of stacked boxes to a designated location. We interviewed team leader Haruki Ohta, operator Haruto Shiraishi, cart rider Imaru Oishi, and pit mechanic Shiyu Sano.

Comments from Team A Members:

[Haruki Ohta]
I returned home during summer break to obtain my driver’s license, and I regret not being able to contribute much to the robot’s construction during that time. However, after obtaining my license, I was able to dedicate more time in the second semester and feel I contributed to the team’s success.

 

 

[Haruto Shiraishi]
I was nervous during the match, and my robot operation was a bit shaky at times. Still, we achieved our target score in the first match and won. We’ve been recommended for the national competition, so I’ll continue to give it my all.

 

 

[Imaru Oishi]
I dressed as a seafood shop clerk handling Koubako-gani while riding the cart. Although I’m not skilled in robot design or assembly, my light weight and slender build helped the robot pull the cart and pass through the gate smoothly. I was the one waving to the audience during the exhibition.

 

 

[Shiyu Sano]
I oversaw manufacturing and assembling robot parts. The robot performed smoothly without any malfunctions or damage during the competition. After the matches, I was so exhausted that I fell asleep in the pit area—and was caught on NHK’s camera! I wonder if that footage will be broadcast.

 

 

 

Although Team A was eliminated in the preliminary league with one win and one loss, their robot’s gate transportation function was highly praised, earning them the Technical Award and a spot in the national competition. We hope they continue to excel at the national level.

 

Team B: Hakobou (Hakusanroku Campus)

Team B consists of 1st and 2nd year students. Their robot mimicked the mechanism of a container crane used in port cargo operations. Decorated with black-and-yellow hazard stripes and a red rotating beacon, it embodied the look of a working vehicle. The robot lifted and stacked boxes using a hand that opens and closes like a crane and an extendable arm.
Although eight members participated in the regional competition as per the rules, a total of 11 students were involved in robot development and practice. Even those not selected as players played vital behind-the-scenes roles. We interviewed team leader and operator Kaishu Ishiharada, and support member Akira Terashima.

Comments from Team B Members:

[Kaishu Ishiharada]
This year, we reflected on past experiences and maintained a positive team atmosphere. As a result, we completed the robot earlier than usual and had ample time for practice. I was less nervous during the matches, which I believe contributed to our strong performance (Top 4). I hope to continue working hard with my teammates next year.

 

 

[Akira Terashima]
Although I joined the regional competition as part of the cheering squad, which was a bit disappointing, I had the opportunity to observe many robots from other schools. It was a valuable experience, and I hope to apply what I learned in future competitions.

 

 

 

Team B advanced through the preliminary league undefeated and reached the final tournament. They continued to win until the semifinals, where they narrowly lost to the eventual champion, finishing in the Top 4. Their robot performed consistently and reliably in all matches. Despite the pressure, Team B operated the robot flawlessly, a testament to their thorough preparation.

 

This year, both teams succeeded in getting their robots operational early, allowing for repeated match-style practice. Problems identified during practice were addressed through design improvements and strategic adjustments. These approaches closely align with engineering design principles and could be effectively applied in classroom settings as well.

 

[About KOSEN Robocon]
KOSEN Robocon began in 1988. It is a nationwide educational event designed to inspire young people to think independently and experience the joy of building robots with their own hands. Each year, students from colleges of technology across Japan tackle a new challenge, using their creativity and ingenuity to design and build robots that compete in various tasks. Celebrating its 38th edition in 2025, the contest continues to emphasize the importance of original ideas and the excitement of engineering.

[NHK ROBOCON Tokai-Hokuriku Regional Competition]
TV station: NHK General TV
Date & Time: Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10:40 AM
Note: It is also available on NHK ONE.
https://www.web.nhk/tv/an/robocon/pl/series-tep-J8Y25YN2QG/ep/8ZV3KYQ55G

 　
 Hello, I’m Yoshihiro Kushima, the advisor of the Hakusanroku team (Team B) in the ROBOCON College of Technology. Today, I would like to introduce the event we participated in, the Tokai-Hokuriku Regional ROBOCON 2024 that took place on Sunday, October 6th, 2024. Michihiro Hayashi sensei has already introduced this year's theme, each team's robot, and the results of the competition , so I would like to talk about the students of Team B.
 This year, as in previous years, Team B consisted of 1st and 2nd year students from the Hakusanroku Campus, including 10 students who were the main team members and a few students who occasionally helped out. Each of these main 10 students had a few words to say about their roles and activities this year, and I would like to introduce these student’s comments.

 

2nd year student, Rinse Okiyama
Role: team management
 This year, I was glad that all team members were able to fulfill their roles and activities. On the other hand, the rules were complicated, and we created three robots at the same time to achieve a goal, so we found issues in dividing roles and managing the progress of the plan. From now on, we would like to repeat the trial-and-error process, overcome the areas for improvement, and make the best use of them in our next activities. We will do our best to grow further as a team.

 

2nd year student, Rintaro Kamoshita
Role: design and adjustment of robot 1
 I could challenge myself through the ROBOCON project. Our abilities, direction of thought for ROBOCON, how we work in ROBOCON and who should work on the tasks were always there as a topic that should be argued. It was very difficult to realize the meaningful project for each person in the situation where each person has different purposes of joining in ROBOCON. Thanks to all of the people who were helping us so much for this year’s ROBOCON. I will grow as much as I can by keeping this valued experience in my mind.

 

 

2nd year student, Hiroko Takeda
Role: exterior and decoration
 I'm happy that the battery didn't fall off from the robot. I am also satisfied because the exterior is very nice. It was the right decision to ask 1st year student, Ayane Ito to do the illustrations.
 When communicating with the members, I did not realize that there was a gap in understanding between me and the other members, and I went ahead with the project as it was. I would like to use this experience to make sure that my understanding is the same as the members' understanding before working on the ICT ROBOCON.

 

2nd year student, Eita Nakamura
Role: development of Robot 2-2
 Over the past year, through ROBOCON, I realized the difficulty of team competition and the importance of information sharing. Nevertheless, it was very rewarding to be absorbed in the robot contest and to be able to cooperate with other members while trying new things. I also found several things to reflect on, which I intend to work on improving in the future.

2nd year student, Kanamu Yamamoto
Role: development of Robot 2-1
 This year, I built a robot on my own for the ROBOCON, which allowed me to gain extensive knowledge about mechanical design. Reflecting on last year’s experience, I paid more attention to code readability and organized wiring, which was a positive change. However, I regret focusing too much on my own work and not being able to help address issues with other robots.

 

1st year student, Kaishu Ishiharada
Role: control design and team leader
 I enjoyed ROBOCON because everything was new for me. However, I made some mistakes in soldering and other operations this time, but I would like to make a better robot next year based on this experience.

1st year student, Ayane Ito
Role: machining
I feel that learning to use machines like the drill press and lathe for the first time was a valuable experience. Additionally, I was able to closely observe and learn from the machine design process led by my seniors. I hope to apply these experiences in my future activities.

 

 

1st year student, Shuntaro Tanaka
Role: machining
 It was enjoyable and fulfilling to complete the tasks assigned by my seniors neatly. This year, I went to Tokai-Hokuriku Regional ROBOCON for cheering, but next year, I want to participate either as a competitor or as part of the pit crew.
 I regret that I had a lot of overtime and didn't participate much in activities during the first semester. However, I was able to get along well with the seniors and the 1st year students, so although it was frustrating that we couldn’t go to the nationals, I think it turned out okay in the end. Next year, I want to make an effort to get off to a better start.

 

1st year student, Ikki Hashimoto
Role: machining
 The machining group is making parts for robots. In this year's ROBOCON, I joined as a pit crew member. When I joined into ROBOCON, I thought, it was very busy, but it was fun. Also, I could understand the fun points of processing something. I thought joining the robot contest was a very good experience for my life.

1st year student, Chihiro Fukumoto
Role: mechanical design and machining
 For me, as a 1st year student, every step—from brainstorming ideas to design, machining, and assembly—felt like a full-fledged job. The competition was my first experience, and although we had to tackle most things on the spot during the event, we managed to pull through, so it’s all good!

 

 Since ICT is physically separated by grade, with 1st and 2nd year students at the Hakusanroku campus, 3rd year students studying abroad in New Zealand, and 4th and 5th year students at the Kanazawa campus, and robot contest activities are held separately at the Hakusanroku and Kanazawa campuses, it is difficult for students to communicate with each other and to pass on the know-how of techniques and team activities. I feel that the environment for our activities is reset every year. This is a challenge for both the students and advisors, and it is a constant process of trial and error. For this reason, we have been working daily to improve students' technical skills and create an environment that facilitates connections between students and advisors at each campus, such as by holding the ICT ROBOCON at the end of the school year since last year and connecting Kanazawa Campus and Hakusanroku Campus online after school since this year.
 At the end of the school year, I am looking forward to seeing what kind of robots the students will build for the ICT ROBOCON.

Yoshihiro Kushima

　こんにちは！国際高専1年の矢追 拓穂です。さて、今回は10月23日（日）に三重県のAGF鈴鹿体育館で行われたアイデア対決･全国高等専門学校ロボットコンテスト 2022 東海北陸地区大会の紹介をしていきます。
　今年は全10高専が集まり、それぞれの学校でAチームとBチームの２チームが参加しました。国際高専からは4年生3名のAチームと２年生3名、1年生5名のBチームが出場しました。Bチームは特別賞（牧野フライス賞）を受賞し、Aチームは技術賞と全国大会への出場権を獲得する大変嬉しい結果となりました。そして我々ロボコンメンバー以外の1年生も応援団として現地で応援しました。今回のテーマは「ミラクル★フライ」～空へ舞い上がれ！～ということで、高さ・面積の異なるスポットや滑走路、筒にロボットが飛ばした紙飛行機を乗せて得点を競う対戦型競技ルールになっています。そのため観客席に紙飛行機が飛んでくるという一面もありました。僕は選手ではないので実際にロボットを操縦はしていませんが、どの学校のロボットもそれぞれ全く違う個性があり感動しました。11月27日（日）には、全国大会が国技館で開催されるのでＡチームの4年生にはぜひ頑張ってもらいたいです。

矢追 拓穂

Hello! This is Takuho Yaoi, a 1st-year student at ICT. This time, I would like to introduce the Tokai-Hokuriku Regional ROBOCON 2022, which was held on October 23rd at the AGF Suzuka Gymnasium in Mie Prefecture.

 This year, 10 schools attended and were divided into A and B teams, and from ICT, Team A consisted of three 4th-year students and Team B consisted of three 2nd-year students and five 1st-year students. Team B won a special award, and Team A won a technical award and the right to participate in the national competition. This time, 1st-year students who are not members of our robotics team also participated in the competition as a cheering group. The theme of this year's competition was “Miracle★Fly,”  in which robots launched paper airplanes to spots, runways, and tubes of different heights and areas to score points. Because of this, there was even one time when paper airplanes flew into the spectators’ seats. I am not a Robot contest member, so I did not actually control a robot, but I was impressed by the individuality of the robots from each school.

Takuho Yaoi