The World Robot Summit (WRS) 2025 Harsh Environment F-REI Challenge is a global event aimed at advancing robot and drone technologies that can be deployed in disaster-stricken and harsh environments, with the ultimate goal of bringing these innovations into real-world use. The challenge is hosted by the Fukushima Institute for Research, Education and Innovation (F-REI) and co-hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan.
The event will take place from October 10 to 12, 2025, at the Fukushima Robot Test Field (RTF) in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture. Some missions will also be held at the RTF Namie Runway in Namie Town.
As part of the internationally renowned World Robot Summit, this challenge distinguishes itself by focusing not just on advanced R&D, but on whether the technologies truly work in the field during real-world disasters. Hosting the event in Fukushima—an area working toward recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake—underscores the region’s commitment to transforming hard-earned lessons into next-generation disaster-response technologies.
Competition Categories
The challenge consists of four categories, each with a strong emphasis on practical applicability:
Figure 1. List of competitions to be held in the WRS 2025 Harsh Environment F-REI Challenge
1. Harsh Environment Drone Challenge (HEDC)
Teams are evaluated on how safely and reliably drones can complete missions in difficult conditions such as communication loss or bad weather. Key evaluation points include flight stability, exploration (detection and localization), and cargo delivery under autonomous control. Beyond hardware performance, this challenge evaluates overall operational systems and the coordination between humans and machines in disaster-response scenarios.
2. Plant Disaster Challenge
In this category, robots are tasked with inspecting, manipulating, and assessing damaged areas in plant-like environments such as power stations and factories. The challenge also explores the use of digital twin technologies, enabling virtual analysis and remote support based on real-time field data, thereby allowing for safer and faster responses.
3. Disaster Simulation Challenge
Unlike the other categories, this challenge is conducted entirely in a virtual simulation environment. Teams operate simulated robots in a post-disaster industrial setting, carrying out search and rescue missions. This enables complex, large-scale scenarios without the risk of damaging real robots. Evaluation is based on task coverage, accuracy of judgment, and appropriateness of procedures.
4. Standard Performance Test Method Challenge (STM)
This competition provides objective benchmarking of basic drone performance in harsh conditions, building on international test frameworks developed by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) and Japan’s ReAMo project (by NEDO). It plays a key role in shaping future standards and certification systems for robotics in harsh environments.
A Global Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
Many teams from around the world, including universities, research institutions, and private companies, are expected to participate in these competitions. The WRS 2025 Challenge is more than a contest—it’s a unique opportunity for international exchange, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and tangible impact.
For engineers and researchers, it offers a venue to share knowledge and forge new partnerships. For society at large, it demonstrates the growing potential of robotics to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience.
Hosting the event in Fukushima highlights the essential role of robotics in disaster recovery and sustainable development. We invite you to follow the progress of this international challenge and witness how cutting-edge technologies can shape a safer and more resilient future.
Looking Ahead
In the coming months, we will share updates on competition rules, participating teams, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive previews. As the event approaches, we will also showcase key moments to help both on-site and online audiences fully enjoy the experience. After the tournament, we will provide in-depth coverage of results, insights gained, and future outlooks.
Stay tuned for more!