FusionZero – RoboCup Junior Rescue Line

Founded in Auckland, New Zealand, FusionZero is a student robotics team dedicated to advancing the frontier of autonomous rescue robotics. The team designs, manufactures, and programs highly capable autonomous robots that navigate complex environments and perform simulated rescue missions, a challenge that combines real-world engineering with AI-driven decision-making.

Since its formation, FusionZero has grown into one of the most accomplished youth robotics teams in the Asia–Pacific region. Its members are passionate about engineering, AI, and electronics, using each competition as a testbed for innovation and teamwork.

Competition Achievements

In 2025, FusionZero achieved a landmark competitive season, marking the team’s most successful year to date:

• 🥇 1st Place – RoboCup Australia U19 International
• 🥇 1st International Team – RoboCup Japan Open
• 🥈 2nd Place – RoboCup Singapore Open U19 International
• 🌍 6th Place – RoboCup International 2025 (World Finals)

These consistent top finishes reflect FusionZero’s commitment to pushing the limits of robotics design and performance on the global stage.

Technical Innovation

FusionZero’s fourth-generation robot showcases a compact yet powerful platform measuring only 200 × 145 mm. Every component has been engineered for precision and speed, from its custom 4-layer PCB architecture to its advanced AI-driven vision system.

Key features include:

• Raspberry Pi 5 core system with the new Raspberry Pi AI Camera, featuring an integrated neural accelerator.
• Custom-trained convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for line detection, victim classification, and environment recognition.
• A single-motor claw with a rear dumping mechanism that automatically sorts “victims” based on classification.
• Custom silicone “whegs” (wheel-legs) for superior grip and obstacle traversal.
• A 4-layer Raspberry Pi header shield, integrating servo control, MOSFET lighting circuits, I²C and GPIO breakouts, and JST connectors for modular, vibration-resistant wiring. Each PCB is designed and prototyped by us, giving the team complete control over electronics integration, mechanical layout, and debugging during high-pressure international competitions.

This video describes our third-generation robot and our development process.

Why PCBWay Support Matters

As FusionZero continues to prototype advanced AI-powered robots, rapid PCB iteration and high-quality manufacturing are essential. PCBWay’s precision fabrication, fast turnaround, and professional assembly services would allow the team to scale their development pipeline and bring more students into hands-on hardware design.

PCBWay’s support would directly contribute to:

• Next-generation AI processing boards for the Pi 5 and future neural coprocessors.
• Compact sensor fusion boards integrating ToF, IMU, and colour sensing.
• Modular power delivery and signal routing PCBs for multi-voltage systems.
• With PCBWay’s partnership, FusionZero can prototype faster, compete smarter, and continue representing New Zealand at the highest level of international robotics.

Looking Ahead

FusionZero’s vision extends beyond competition. The team aims to mentor young robotics enthusiasts, share open-source designs to thousands of students and mentors at competitions, and digitally on GitHub, and continue documenting their journey across YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.

By combining technical excellence with creative outreach, FusionZero strives to inspire the next generation of engineers, proving that with collaboration, curiosity, and the right tools, innovation has no limits.

• Custom AI
• PCB Design
• Team
• Robotics