At the German finals on June 19 and 20 in Trier, three 9-year-olds from the LEGO Robotics Club at Martinus Elementary School placed sixth in the "Future Innovators" and will represent their school at the WRO Open Championship Europe in Zagreb, Croatia, from October 13 to 16, 2026. The students from Mainz are the only elementary school team in Germany to have qualified for the European finals in this category. They had previously placed second at the regional competition in Schwalbach am Taunus.

Mayor Nino Haase congratulates the young robotics talents on their success: “Nine years old and already on the European stage: The MartinusRobots impressively demonstrate how early on creativity, team spirit, and social responsibility can come together in Mainz. I’m particularly impressed that their idea isn’t just technically sophisticated, but also specifically aims to promote greater inclusion. That’s why I’m happy to support the trip to Zagreb and am keeping my fingers crossed for these young robotics talents.”

Their invention is a “Snoezelen Chair,” through which the children are taking up this year’s competition theme, “Robots meet Culture.” The self-driving robotic chair is designed to help people with various disabilities experience culture as independently as possible and through multiple senses. Among other things, it combines movement, music, vibrations, light, and text and information on displays. Motors enable autonomous driving and steering, while a distance sensor is designed to detect obstacles. Using an AI lens, the robot can also recognize picture cards and its surroundings and activate corresponding functions. This is intended to make cultural participation easier for people who are blind, deaf, or have limited mobility.

Ata Delbasteh, Director of Education, joins in the congratulations: “The achievement of the MartinusRobots demonstrates what is possible when children are given the space to be curious, develop their own solutions, and tackle even challenging technical problems on their own. The robotics club at Martinus Elementary School combines STEM education, creativity, and inclusion in an exemplary way. My thanks go to the children as well as to the club’s leadership, the school, and the parents who support this project with great dedication.”

A total of approximately 5,800 euros is needed to cover the team’s registration, travel, lodging, and meals—including the coach and necessary chaperones—as well as other expenses. The city is contributing funds from the mayor’s discretionary budget. In addition, the school is seeking further supporters who would like to enable these young robotics talents from Mainz to participate in the European finals.

Interested companies, institutions, and supporters can help fund the trip by making a donation to “Friends and Supporters of the Martinus Schools in Mainz e.V.” A crowdfunding campaign is available for this purpose: https://gofund.me/c0694895b Alternatively, donations can be transferred to a donation account:

Friends and Supporters of the Martinus Schools in Mainz e.V.
IBAN: DE27 5519 0000 0128 4410 11
BIC: MVBMDE55
Reference: Donation Project_MSMW European Robotics Finals

A donation receipt will be issued by the Friends and Supporters Association upon request. The contact email address is martinus-schulen.mz.foerdervereinwebde