Wednesday 22 April 2026
More than 100 students from across Munster went head to head with self-designed sumo wrestling robots at the 11th Annual Analog Devices Primary Schools Robotics Competition final, at the Analog Devices Inc (ADI) campus in Raheen, Co Limerick, which was held recently.
After a morning of constructing and programming their robots, 105 fifth and sixth class students from across Clare, Cork, Limerick and Tipperary competed in a series of knock-out rounds where their robots were pitted against each other in a ring. Each team collected points for teamwork, design, and innovation as well as creativity in the poster showcase.
Watched on by teachers, family and friends, Adam Maguire, Donnacha Mockler and Orla Brookes from Knockanean National School, Ennis, Co Clare, were crowned overall winners, impressing judges with their innovation, teamwork and the performance of their robot in the arena. Holly Boyce, Mya White, Shauna White and Annie White from Scoil Muire Broadford, Limerick were runners-up.
Design, build and programme their own robots
In the lead-up to the final, participating schools took part in an advanced hands-on robotics workshop, where students learnt to design, build and programme their own robots. The initiative encourages teamwork, creativity and problem-solving, while developing skills in coding, design thinking and collaboration.
L-R: Adam Maguire, Orla Brookes, Donnacha Maguire, Knockanean NS.
The Analog Devices Primary Schools Robotics Competition is designed to promote STEM among primary school students by giving them a practical introduction to engineering and technology. Now in its 11th year, the programme has grown significantly and continues to expand across the Mid-West, building on its long-standing presence in Limerick.
Fiona Treacy, managing director, sustainable automation at ADI, said: “This competition is about giving students a real, hands-on experience of STEM and showing them how engineering works in a fun environment.The students excelled this year, and it was clear to see the level of creativity, teamwork and problem-solving developed through the programme. These are valuable skills that will stand to students in the future, regardless of the career path they choose.”
The competition begins months in advance, with Analog Devices partnering with LearnIt to deliver complimentary robotics workshops to all registered primary schools. One team from each school was given the opportunity to progress to the regional semi-finals which were held in Limerick Racecourse across two days in March and then the final.
Since its inception, the programme has engaged nearly 10,000 primary school students, helping to spark early interest in STEM and inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.
Students represented schools from across the region, including eight from Clare, 15 from Limerick, six from Tipperary and three from Cork at the STEM-focused event.
Previous champions include Scoil Íde (2015), St. Patrick's Girls NS (2016), Our Lady Queen of Peace NS (2017), Killoughteen NS (2018 & 2025), Scoil Mhuire Broadford (2019 & 2023), St. Patrick’s N.S Bruree (2020) and St. Patrick’s National School, Dublin Road (2022 & 2024).
