The session “When Robots Compete, Artificial Intelligence Advances” held at the FCT event “Ciência 2025” (https://www.encontrociencia.pt/) was organized by IEETA, in collaboration with LARSyS and LIACC, and explored how real-world-inspired robotics competitions drive progress in Artificial Intelligence. A key highlight of the event was the presentation by IEETA researcher Nuno Lau, who emphasized the critical role that competitions like RoboCup play in developing intelligent robotic systems, noting how these challenges push the boundaries of current AI capabilities. Alongside Nuno Lau, Luís Paulo Reis (LIACC/FEUP), and Pedro Lima (LARSyS/IST-UL) shared insights from their research and organizational involvement in national and international robotics events.