Robot Expedition Has Completed Its First 5,000 Kilometers — Route Must Be Adjusted Due to Closed Border

What is the Robot Expedition?
The goal of the Robot Expedition is to cover 16,000 kilometers and bring Czech and Japanese historic vehicles to the EXPO 2025 exhibition in Osaka. Seven crews will travel for nearly a month, crossing mountains, deserts, and major world cities. The expedition follows in the footsteps of four Czech travelers who, in 1970, journeyed to the first EXPO in Osaka on foot and by hitchhiking (Sakura Expedition 1970).

“I love Czech cars and Czech products. We want to show that the Czech Republic has always had, and still has, something to offer the world. The ROBOT Expedition is not only a journey, but also a message about our participation in the world exhibition in Osaka and a show of support for it,” said expedition leader Josef Zajíček, who is heading to Japan in a 1959 Tatra 603.

In addition to the Czechoslovak limousine, the convoy includes two Škoda Octavias, a Škoda 100, and a younger Škoda 120. A 1977 Toyota Celica ST is returning to its homeland, and the expedition column is rounded out by a 1966 Ford Mustang.

Technical Issues During the European Route
It’s been over a week since the Robot Expedition set off from Hradčanské Square in Prague. In ten days, the team managed to pass through eight countries, cross the Caspian Sea, and enter Kazakhstan. During the first week, the crews had to deal with initial technical issues with their historic vehicles. Most were minor and could be fixed on the spot within minutes. However, the Tatra 603 experienced a more serious malfunction.

“During the third stage, from Bulgaria to Turkey, the bearing of the dynamo driving the fan that cools the left side of the V8 engine seized. We couldn’t continue driving and had to tow the car to Istanbul, where our mechanics repaired it,” said Josef Zajíček, owner of the Tatra 603 and expedition leader.

Since Turkey, there have been no major technical failures, proving that the crews prepared their cars well for this demanding adventure. “We have incredibly skilled mechanics who make sure our cars are always in top condition. They are the cornerstone of the success of our crazy expedition,” added journalist and expedition member Robin Běhal.

Border Crossings Are the Biggest Obstacle for the Expedition
The Robot Expedition is traveling to EXPO 2025 through 12 countries, which naturally brings certain complications. “As soon as we left the European Union member states, we realized that border crossings would be our biggest time drain,” said Robin Běhal. Some countries have closed borders, so the team had to apply for special exemptions months in advance.

The most problematic was expected to be entry into Azerbaijan, whose borders have been closed since 2020. However, the Robot Expedition anticipated this and secured a special circular letter that allowed them to enter the country. Even so, the process was lengthy and took the crews dozens of hours in total.

“I’m grateful to live in the European Union, where we can travel freely. Entering Azerbaijan wasn’t that complicated—it took about three hours. But leaving the country took us more than 12 hours,” commented expedition leader Josef Zajíček.

While crossing the Caspian Sea, the Robot Expedition was informed that the border crossing between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan was closed to private vehicles. “That’s one of the reasons we decided to revise our route and remove Uzbekistan from the itinerary. It was supposed to be a shortcut through Kazakhstan, but we’re now so wary of border delays that we’d rather drive an extra 800 kilometers and continue through Kazakhstan. It’s a longer and rougher road, but we simply can’t afford more delays at the borders,” Zajíček added.

A Long Journey Still Ahead
After crossing Kazakhstan, the seven historic vehicles will continue through China, a journey expected to take eleven days. From there, they will board a ferry to South Korea, which they’ll cross in a single day before taking another ferry to the Land of the Rising Sun—Japan—where their final destination awaits: the world exhibition EXPO 2025 in Osaka. There, the Robot Expedition will ceremoniously complete its mission of peace and friendship. The historic vehicles will be displayed outside the Czech pavilion, representing the rich legacy of the Czech automotive industry.

“The expedition aims to promote the Czech Republic globally, highlighting friendship and cooperation between nations. Dozens of people across Europe and Asia have been involved in the preparations, and without their collaboration and support, this adventurous journey wouldn’t be possible. I deeply appreciate the dedication of the entire organizing team, who, like us, are working to showcase at EXPO 2025 in Osaka that the Czech Republic has much to offer—from technology and innovation to culture and skilled, hardworking people. We have a lot to be proud of, even if we don’t always realize it,” said Ondřej Soška, Commissioner General of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025.

Crews and Their Vehicles

• Tatra 603 (1959) – Josef Zajíček a Robin Běhal
• Toyota Celica ST (1977) – Lubomír Pešák a Ivan Uher
• Škoda Octavia (1961) – Ivo Tůma a Radek Toman
• Škoda Octavia (1962) – Alois Krejčí jr. a Alois Krejčí
• Škoda 100 (1973) – Jan Drbohlav a Václav Dědek
• Škoda 120 (1980) – Miroslav Kuchár a Mikuláš Koščo
• Ford Mustang (1966) – Dalibor Šebek a Martin Novotný

At the final destination — EXPO 2025 on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay — the ROBOT Expedition will be showcased during the Czech National Day on July 24.

Follow the Journey Online
Fans can follow the journey of the Czech vintage cars to Osaka not only on social media, but also on the website www.czecholdtimerexpress.cz/expedice-osaka, where the expedition shares its real-time location thanks to a vehicle tracking system provided by Commander.