Young Curro inventors tackle space and beyond at robotic Olympiad
Curro Waterfall’s Team Visionary Vortex took second place in the Future Innovators Junior Age Group at the World Robot Olympiad 2025 with a robotic arm designed to support astronauts on space missions.
Curro learners have once again shown that innovation and technical brilliance are alive and thriving in South Africa’s classrooms, after securing top spots at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 2025 national finals in Pretoria in mid-September.
Among the standout successes was Curro Waterfall’s Team Visionary Vortex, which impressed judges with a robotic arm designed to support astronauts on space missions. The device, which earned them second place in the Future Innovators Junior Age Group, tackles critical tasks, such as plant growth, rock analysis, medical aid, and waste disposal aboard the International Space Station.
Read more: Nizamiye learners sweep gold at UK robotics competition
Curriculum lead at Curro Holdings Jurie de Jager said: “These results show the depth of talent and commitment across our schools. From junior to senior age groups, learners are showing that they can compete with the best in South Africa – and in the world.”
This year’s WRO carried the theme: The Future of Robots, challenging learners to design solutions that demonstrate how robotics can solve real-world problems and improve lives.
Also read: Introducing coding and robotics in the foundation phase
Nearly 900 teams competed across the country in provincial rounds, with Curro fielding 141 teams from 31 schools, representing a remarkable 368 learners. At the national finals, 17 Curro teams, across 11 schools, competed in four categories, supported by a panel of 47 judges.
“The WRO is not simply about building robots; it’s about preparing our learners for the challenges of tomorrow,” De Jager explained. “They refine technical skills in robotics and programming while developing collaboration, resilience, and creativity. These are the qualities that open doors to future studies, careers, and opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields – and help shape the innovators South Africa needs.”
Each year, new fields and missions are developed for every age group, pushing learners to demonstrate quick thinking and technical skills on both national and international stages.
From coding and computational thinking to engineering design and teamwork, the WRO ensures participants grow through playful yet rigorous learning experiences.
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