The United International University (UIU) Aerial Robotics Team (UART) has achieved fourth place globally on its debut at the International Student Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS) 2026 competition held in the United States.
This marks the first time in the history of the international SUAS competition that a Bangladeshi team has secured a place on the podium. To honour the team, the university authority accorded them a red-carpet reception on Wednesday at its campus on Madani Avenue in the capital.
The international SUAS competition took place from 14 to 17 September at the Skyway Range in Tulsa, Oklahoma, US. A total of 81 university student teams from across the globe participated in the event. Hostile weather conditions posed severe challenges, causing the drones of 21 teams to crash in mid-air due to strong winds after taking off.
However, through strategic and technological expertise, the UIU Aerial Robotics Team successfully executed its mission to secure fourth position.
Reflecting on the adversity faced during the contest, Chamak, a member of the winning team and a student at UIU’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering, told TIMES that flying a drone in Bangladesh differs significantly from operating in the intense winds of the US.
He noted that wind gusts reaching speeds of 40 to 45 kilometres per hour struck repeatedly at short intervals, causing several teams’ drones to break apart in the air and turning flight itself into a major challenge.
He added that in a competition of SUAS’s stature, alongside technological capability, field-level drone operation, mission execution, situational decision-making, and coordinated teamwork are essential skills. Chamak expressed confidence that the team’s achievement would serve as an inspiration to many in the future.
Highlighting operational hurdles, Faysal, another member of the victorious team, stated that most crucial equipment for robotics research must currently be imported from abroad. Faysal noted that if such equipment were readily available within the country, students would benefit greatly and feel encouraged to pursue research.
UART mentor and Associate Professor at UIU’s Computer Science Department Dr Riasat Azim said that participating in the international contest provided students with practical experience in real-world problem-solving, team leadership, and the application of advanced technology.
Describing the achievement as a milestone, Dr Azim highlighted that the team competed against participants from renowned institutions, including Cornell University and Monash University.
UIU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Abul Kashem Mia remarked that the students’ success reflects their talent, hard work, innovative thinking, and technological competence, affirming that UIU’s efforts to promote research, innovation, and technology-focused education will continue unabated.
The VC revealed that the proposal to participate in the drone competition originated from the students themselves, expressing optimism about receiving further innovative proposals from them in the future.
He added that this triumph highlights the potential of university-level drone and aerial robotics work in Bangladesh, which will inspire young students to engage further in technology-based research and innovation.
