First edition
AIRENA-X
Nine trials under Thornhallow. One machine, no tether, no operator. The vault opens for whatever is still moving.
19 to 21 February 2027 · IIIT Allahabad
The gate does not reopen
Scrutineering is outside. Once a machine is through the doors it runs on what it carries, and a marshal is the only thing that can stop it.
The hall
Nine hundred candles and no floor markings. The first trial is simply crossing it: a line that is not painted, read off the stone by whatever sensing you brought.
- Span
- 120 m
- Ambient
- 0 lux, measured
- Attrition
- 44 per cent
The stair moves
Four flights on a shared pivot, turning on a schedule published a week before. A machine that plans once and commits will be on the wrong flight when it arrives.
The dragon hall
Two are kept here, collared and chained since the academy was young: one black and watchful, one pale and long since blind. Every team walks the aisle between them. Ember, Tide, Gale and Loam are drawn on the far side.
The trials
Five hazards, each with a published tolerance. The order is drawn in front of the teams on the second morning, so nobody can build for a known sequence.
The vault opens
The vault
One plinth, one sigil to place. Five lakh in the vault and a standing seed for the next edition.
Entry is by declaration, not payment. Registration closes 25 January 2027 or when the bays run out.
The part that matters
Rules, in plain text
| Envelope | 300 × 300 × 300 mm at start, may expand after |
|---|---|
| Mass | Under 8 kg including everything carried |
| Power | Onboard only, 24 V nominal ceiling |
| Control | Fully autonomous. No tether, no radio link, no operator |
| Team | 2 to 4 people, one named captain |
| Entry | Free. By declaration, closes 25 January 2027 |
| Prohibited | Projectiles, floor adhesives, anything that damages the building or another machine |
The full floor spec is published eight weeks ahead and does not change after that date.
Entry is free and by declaration. Registration closes 25 January 2027, or when the bays run out.
Questions
Common questions
When and where is AIRENA-X held?
AIRENA-X runs from 19 to 21 February 2027 at IIIT Allahabad. It is the first edition of the event.
Who can enter AIRENA-X?
Teams of 2 to 4 people, with one named captain.
How do teams enter?
Entry is by declaration. Registration closes on 25 January 2027 or when the bays run out.
What are the machine rules?
The machine must fit 300 × 300 × 300 mm at start and may expand afterwards. It must weigh under 8 kg including everything carried, use onboard power with a 24 V nominal ceiling, and be fully autonomous with no tether, no radio link and no operator.
What is not allowed?
Projectiles, floor adhesives, and anything that damages the building or another machine are prohibited.
What do the teams have to do?
Each machine runs nine trials under Thornhallow, including an unmarked hall, a moving stair, the dragon hall and five hazards with published tolerances. At the vault there is one plinth and one sigil to place.
Is the order of the hazards known in advance?
No. The order is drawn in front of the teams on the second morning, so nobody can build for a known sequence.
When is the full floor specification published?
Eight weeks before the event. It does not change after that date.