About RoboFuze

We make official RoboCupJunior Soccer hardware

RoboFuze is a Prague-based maker. We design, build and support the official RoboCupJunior Soccer IR ball and communication module, and we publish the schematics and firmware of both on GitHub.

At a glance

Based in
Prague, Czech Republic
We make
Official RCJ Soccer IR ball and communication module
Designed by
An author of the RCJ Soccer rules
Schematics & firmware
Public on GitHub
Licences
IR ball: CC BY‑NC‑SA 4.0 Module: Apache License 2.0
Production
Machine-assembled, hand-finished

Who we are

RoboFuze, based in Prague, Czech Republic, is the maker of the official RoboCupJunior Soccer IR ball and the RoboCupJunior Soccer communication module, which links each robot to the referee's RCJ Soccer RefMate app.

Our products are designed by an author of the RoboCupJunior Soccer rules, so they are built around what the rules require and what happens on a real competition field.

Why open design

RoboCupJunior is about learning. That's why the design files are public on GitHub: schematic, PCB, firmware and 3D-print files of the IR ball, and the schematic and firmware of the communication module; the licensing section below explains what each licence allows.

Teams can see exactly how the hardware works, write better code for their robots, repair their own equipment and build their own for practice. Buying from us gets you a finished, assembled unit and funds further development.

How it's made

Factory-assembled, hand-finished

Our assembly partner machine-assembles the boards. In Prague we hand-solder the remaining parts, assemble every ball and module and inspect each unit before it ships.

  1. Designed in the open

    Schematics and firmware of both products, plus the IR ball's PCB and 3D-print files, are on GitHub for everyone to study.

  2. Finished and inspected by hand

    Every ball and module is put together in Prague, and each unit is inspected by hand before it ships.

  3. Built for the rules

    Designed by an author of the RoboCupJunior Soccer rules, for real competition fields.

  4. Covered for 24 months

    24 months of statutory rights for faulty goods. See our Refund policy and Terms.

Events

Upcoming RoboCupJunior events

See where RoboCupJunior competitions are coming up. At public events where we sell our products, we offer free minor repairs and functional checks for RoboFuze products bought directly from us, as set out in our Terms of service.

See events

Licensing

Open design, clear terms

Build it, learn from it, improve it.

The You may / You may not columns cover the IR ball design; the communication module is licensed separately, as shown in the statement below.

  • IR ball CC BY‑NC‑SA 4.0
  • Module Apache License 2.0

The IR ball design is published under CC BY‑NC‑SA 4.0; the communication module design is published under the Apache License 2.0.

You may

  • Build your own from the published files for yourself, your team, your school or your club, for non-commercial use.
  • Study, repair, modify and improve the designs.
  • Share your changes under the same licence, with credit to the original design.

You may not

  • Sell units, kits or boards built from the design without our written permission.
  • Produce it commercially, including building it for others as a paid service, without our written permission.
  • Share modified designs under a different licence or without credit.

Want to sell?

RoboFuze is the only producer of the official RoboCupJunior Soccer IR ball and communication module.

We're open to distribution and manufacturing partnerships. Tell us where you are and what you have in mind.

info@robofuze.com

Communication module: the Apache License 2.0 permits commercial use, so the restrictions in the columns above apply to the IR ball design only. RoboFuze is the only producer of the official communication module. We are open to distribution and manufacturing deals: info@robofuze.com.

Where to buy

Authorised distributors

Buy from us directly, or from an authorised partner closer to you. Only RoboFuze and our authorised distributors sell genuine units.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can't find your answer? Email info@robofuze.com.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We ship internationally from Prague, Czech Republic. Where checkout offers a shipping option for your destination, the cost is calculated there. If checkout offers no shipping option for your destination, email info@robofuze.com for a quote before ordering.

How do pre-orders work?

When a product shows Pre-order, you can order and pay now and we ship when the next batch is ready. We produce in batches, so we don't promise fixed dates. Need it for a particular competition? Email info@robofuze.com before you order.

Is a battery included with the IR ball?

No. IR balls ship without a battery, which keeps parcels lighter and easier to send. You need one 18350 Li‑ion cell and a charger. Our IR ball battery guide explains which cell to buy.

Will I pay customs or import duties?

Possibly, for orders outside the EU. Prices and shipping costs don't include customs duties, import VAT, local taxes or carrier handling fees. These are set by your country's authorities or the carrier and are paid by the customer. Please check what applies before you order.

Can I return an order?

You may withdraw from your purchase within 14 days of receiving the goods, without giving a reason.

To withdraw, email info@robofuze.com with your order number (you may also use the model withdrawal form in our Refund policy). Send the goods back within 14 days of telling us.

We refund the price you paid, including the standard shipping cost, within 14 days of receiving your withdrawal; we may wait until we have the goods back or you have shown that you sent them, whichever is earlier. Return shipping is paid by you.

You may handle the goods as you would in a shop to check them. You are only liable for any loss in value caused by handling beyond that.

You have statutory rights for goods that are faulty or not as described (24 months from delivery). Email info@robofuze.com and we will repair or replace the item free of charge, or reduce the price or refund you where repair or replacement is not possible.

Full details are in our refund policy.

Can I get an invoice for my school or team?

Yes. Email info@robofuze.com with your school or team billing details and what you need. RoboFuze is not VAT registered, so no VAT is charged on our prices.

Are your products allowed by the RoboCupJunior Soccer rules?

Yes. The IR ball and the communication module are the official RoboCupJunior Soccer hardware, designed by an author of the RoboCupJunior Soccer rules. Always check the current rules for your league.

Where can I get technical help?
Can I build my own IR ball or communication module?

Yes. The schematics and firmware of both products, plus the IR ball's PCB and 3D-print files, are public on GitHub, and the licensing section above explains what each licence allows, including the rules for selling.

Go to licensing