Black Boys Code Chicago - Robo-Race Challenge: Optimize & Compete

Workshop Overview

The May workshop focuses on refinement, performance, and friendly competition.

In the Beginner Track, learners optimize their robots for a line-following race. They fine-tune speed, turning precision, and sensor positioning to achieve smoother and faster runs. To enhance engagement, participants will program countdown timers, sounds, and simple animations so their robots can “announce” the start of a race or celebrate at the finish line. Through collaboration and testing, students will see how small coding adjustments can significantly improve performance.

In the Advanced Track, learners transition into real-world robotics programming using Python. They will learn how to control robot movement using motor commands, including speed, time, and degrees of rotation. Students will build programs that allow robots to move forward, turn, and execute coordinated actions using motor pairs. They will also explore automation, debugging, and breaking down complex robotic tasks into smaller steps. By the end of the session, learners will have built functional movement programs and gained hands-on experience in programming real robotic systems, preparing them for more advanced robotics applications and showcase projects.

Beginner Track - Final Automated Vehicle Competition

Beginners refine their programs and compete in a timed Robo-Race challenge.

Materials Required

• Laptop or tablet with SPIKE app installed
• LEGO SPIKE Prime kit (hub, motors, colour sensor)
• Competition track

Learning Outcomes

• Master Speed & Precision: Fine-tune your robot to move faster without losing control
• Bring Your Robot to Life: Program countdowns, lights, and sounds for a real race experience
• Think Like an Engineer: Experiment, test, and improve your design through iteration
• Crack the Speed vs Accuracy Code: Discover how small tweaks can make or break performance
• Race to Win: Put your robot to the test in an exciting timed Robo-Race challenge

Advanced Track - Python Robot Movement & Automation

Advanced learners program real robot movement using Python and build automated behaviors.

Materials Required

• LEGO SPIKE Prime kit (motors and hub)
• Laptop or tablet with SPIKE Python environment
• Testing space/track

Learning Outcomes

• Control Motors with Python: Use commands to move motors with speed, time, and degrees
• Program Robot Movement: Move forward, turn, and stop using motor pairs
• Understand Rotation & Positioning: Apply degrees (90°, 180°, 360°) and directional control
• Build Coordinated Systems: Combine multiple motors for synchronized movement
• Apply Automation Concepts: Program robots to perform tasks independently
• Test & Debug Programs: Identify and fix movement errors
• Break Down Problems: Use step-by-step logic (decomposition) for complex tasks
• Explore Real-World Applications: Understand how robotics programming applies to engineering and automation

If you’re unsure who your Chapter Leader is, please contact [email protected] to get connected and learn how you can support your local team.

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Host or Publisher Black Boys Code USA