Curro learners proved their innovation and technical skills on the national stage, winning top placements at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 2025 finals.
Among the standout achievements was Curro Waterfall’s Team Visionary Vortex, who took second place in the Future Innovators – Junior Age Group with a robotic arm designed to support astronauts on space missions. Their invention tackles tasks such as plant growth, rock analysis, medical aid, and waste disposal aboard the International Space Station.
Curro Aurora’s Team Foresight also shone, taking second place in the Future Innovators – Senior Age Group with their smart wearable necklace. The device, equipped with a forward-facing camera, assists visually impaired people by identifying obstacles and providing real-time feedback.
“These results show the depth of talent and commitment across our schools,” says Jurie de Jager, Curriculum Lead at Curro Holdings. “From junior to senior age groups, learners are showing that they can compete with the best in South Africa – and in the world.”
Curro’s national highlights at WRO 2025
- Curro Waterfall (Visionary Vortex): second place, Future Innovators – Junior
- Curro Aurora (Team Foresight): second place, Future Innovators – Senior
- Meridian Pinehurst: seventh place, Future Innovators – Junior
- Curro Durbanville High School: seventh place, Robo Mission – Junior
- Grantleigh Schools: ninth and tenth place, RoboSports
National presence in robotics
Nearly 900 teams competed across South Africa in this year’s provincial WRO events. Curro made an impressive showing with 141 teams from 31 schools, representing 368 learners. At the national finals, 17 Curro teams across 11 schools competed in four categories, supported by a panel of 47 judges, many from Curro schools.
Beyond the medals
The World Robot Olympiad (WRO) is one of the most exciting global platforms for young innovators, and this year’s theme, “The Future of Robots”, challenged learners to imagine how robotics can help solve real-world problems and improve daily life.
“WRO is not simply about building robots – it’s about preparing our learners for the challenges of tomorrow,” explains de Jager. “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 STEM 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, WRO ensures participants grow through playful yet rigorous learning experiences.
