The annual Robocup challenge is designed to get children interested in science and technology.
More than 80 pupils from 12 Otago schools took part at the Hutton Theatre at Otago Museum.
The primary and secondary school contestants participated in three challenges with their robots - a football match, search and rescue to find a stranded "victim", and a dance competition where robots could express their creativity.
Kaikorai Primary school pupils Eden Campbell and Lucy Cathro (both 10) said they preferred dancing with robot partners to dancing with boys.
"It is not as embarrassing," Eden said.
Working with the robot was "fun" and it made them interested in science, the pair said.
And that was the whole point of the competition, Robocup judge Donald Liddell said.
"It raises interest in engineering and programming and the kids also have a lot of fun."
Realising the potential of the competition in fostering the engineering minds of the future, corporate backers such as Toshiba andseveral local firms helped supply the Lego robots, which cost at least $700 each, he said.
Results. - Junior dance: Dinomyte, Kaikorai Primary school, 1; Wakari Wizards, Wakari Primary School, 2.
Senior dance: Rainbow Fairy Princesses, Columba College, 1; Robotronics, John McGlashan College, 2.
Junior Search and Rescue: Tahuna 2, Tahuna Intermediate, 1; ABCD, Tahuna Intermediate, 2.
Senior Search and Rescue: First Beep Backwards, Columba College, 1; The Brycenators, Otago Boys High School, 2.
Junior football: ABCD, Tahuna Intermediate, 1.
Senior football: Cybocracy, Logan Park High School, 1; Team Bean, Otago Boys High School, 2.
