Robots built by school children will be pitted against each other in a competition at the National Science Museum.

The Androids Advance Challenge, to be held on Wednesday 4 July, has been designed by Reading University.

The idea is not only to support the teaching of science but to generate enthusiasm for robotics among youngsters and promote the importance of careers in science and engineering.

As well as enhancing key skills such as teamwork, creativity and problem-solving, which are needed in science and related subjects such as design and technology, mathematics and ICT, the competition marks the first stage of a nationwide pilot programme to be launched in September.

The robots designed by the 16 students from schools in London and the south east will be required to carry out a number of different tasks, similar to the Robo-One events held in Japan and North America, where robots compete in multi-disciplinary events.

Visitors to the museum will be able to see robots competing in activities such as navigating an assault course, sprinting, skiing and performing martial arts exercises.

Highlights include the Dance-Off - in which robots must dance for four minutes to the track I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ by the Scissor Sisters.

The judging will be carried out by robotics experts and enthusiasts including Kevin Warwick, Professor of Cybernetics, Reading University, Jon Tickle, presenter of Sky One’s Brainiac and Rob Skitmore, the Science Museum’s Assistant Curator for ICT. Contestants will be judged on areas such as technical excellence, elegance of motion and best-dressed robot.

Prof Warwick said: ”Through the Androids Advance Challenge, we are hoping to ignite public interest in robotics by exposing them to an aspect of robot technology that is still considered to be cutting edge and exciting.

"Our ultimate aim is to inspire science teachers and to encourage participants to consider the career opportunities that science and engineering can offer.”

The competition will start at 9am in the Antenna Gallery at the Science Museum, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2DD.