Event Overview

A hovercraft is a vehicle that glides over surfaces using a cushion of air. It uses fans or blowers to generate lift, allowing it to hover slightly above the ground, reducing friction and enabling smooth, multidirectional movement.

In this competition, students will design a small-scale hovercraft powered by electric motors, usually using a combination of lightweight materials, propellers, and a skirt to trap air underneath.

Get ready to defy gravity and dominate the arena with the remote-controlled hovercrafts that will face off in a thrilling battle of balance, speed, and strategy.

Objectives

• Push the opponent's hovercraft out of the circular arena using speed, control, and strategic tactics. (50 points)

• Keep your hovercraft balanced and within the arena during high-impact clashes. (30 points)

• Demonstrate smart design, precise maneuverability, and tactical gameplay to secure victory. (20 points)

• Gain hands-on experience in designing and fabricating small-scale, electric-motor-powered hovercrafts.

• Innovate using lightweight materials and air-trapping mechanisms to optimize hovercraft performance.
  Prizes

  First Prize: Electronic Kit worth 710,000

  Second Prize: Electronic Kit worth 75,000

  Third Prize: Electronic Kit worth 23,000

  Robokits will be provided by the Mechatron Lab

  Who can Participate?

  Engineering and Polytechnic Students

  Mode of Event

  Offline

  Schedule & Timeline

  Date: 20th Feb 2026

  Time: 10 AM to 4PM

  Key Benefits & Opportunities

  • Hands-on engineering experience with real-time exposure to design, fabrication, and testing of hovercraft systems, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

  • Interdisciplinary skill development by providing knowledge of multiple domains to the students, including mechanical, electrical, electronics, and control systems engineering.

  • Innovation and creativity enhancement while solving real-world engineering challenges under competitive constraints.

  • Teamwork and leadership skills through collaboration, communication, project management, and leadership among team members.

  • Problem-solving and analytical capabilities under real constraints by addressing practical issues such as stability, power management, payload optimisation, and maneuverability.

  • Networking opportunities with industry experts, fostering meaningful professional connections.
    
    Qualifying Rounds & Selection

    Battle Rules:

    • Three rounds per match

    • Maximum two minutes per round

    • If neither participant is pushed out, judges decide based on control and aggression

    • Touching outside the ring is equal to an immediate round loss

    Scoring Preference:

    • Outmaneuver and overpower: Force opponent out of the arena.

    • Stability: Maintain control and balance under attack.

    • Ethics: Avoid fouls and illegal contact