Rampaging Chariots Ignite STEM Passion Across UK Sites

Hundreds of aspiring engineers attended Leonardo’s Robotics Games Tournaments around the UK.

A cornerstone of Leonardo's commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) outreach, the competition once again proved to be a thrilling showcase of innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork among young people from schools, colleges, cadets and youth groups across the UK.

Originally held at Leonardo's Edinburgh site in 2006, the Robotic Games have grown into a much-anticipated fixture on the STEM calendar. The games feature ‘Rampaging Chariots’ which themselves are a testament to homegrown engineering talent.

Built from kits provided by Leonardo, these radio-controlled robots are then modified and enhanced by the teams, fostering a deep dive into practical engineering skills. The kits were ingeniously created by Leonardo engineer and renowned test pilot, Peter Bennett, who famously designed and built the award-winning Typhoon robots for the television programme Robot Wars.

This year, events in Luton, Edinburgh and Basildon saw participants put their powerful, lightweight robots through a series of demanding challenges, including the Assault Course, Sumo, Tug of War and 2-a-side Football.

Participation in the event provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to engage with STEM subjects in a hands-on, engaging way. They develop crucial skills in areas such as design and technology, wood and metal working, basic electronic engineering, electrical work and radio control. Beyond the thrill of competition, the Robotic Games aims to inspire the next generation of engineers and technologists, demonstrating the exciting career paths available within the defence and aerospace industry.

The 2025 Rampaging Chariots events saw impressive engagement across all three sites:

• The Volunteers
  Over 50 dedicated volunteers from Leonardo generously gave their time to mentor teams, officiate games, and ensure the smooth running of the events.
• The Chariots
  A total of 33 custom-built robots battled it out across the various disciplines, showcasing the diverse ingenuity of the participating teams.
• The Audience
  28 schools, colleges, youth groups and cadets from across the UK participated, highlighting the widespread appeal and educational impact of the Robotic Games.