Black Boys Code DeKalb - Command & Control: Direct Your Robot

Workshop Overview

January Workshop continues to focus on movement and safety. Beginners continue by connecting motors to the hub and learn how to control speed, direction, and stopping on simple tracks, combining motors with color sensors to trigger actions like slowing down at “warning” colors or stopping at a “red light.” They see how small changes in code affect how smoothly and safely their robots move.

Advanced learners build on this by adding force sensors to simulate safety features such as bump detection, collision alerts, and emergency stops when a robot encounters an obstacle. They experiment with scenarios where the robot must react quickly and reliably to keep “passengers” and surroundings safe.

Both tracks emphasize real-world parallels to traffic systems, vehicle automation, and automotive safety, helping learners connect their projects to self-driving cars, factory robots, and everyday transportation systems.

This workshop is FREE, and all materials are provided.

Beginner Track- Motor Control & Path Programming

Beginners continue building confidence by connecting motors and programming vehicles to respond to color-coded tracks, such as stopping at red, slowing at warning colors, and accelerating on green.

Materials Required

• Laptop or tablet with SPIKE app installed

• LEGO SPIKE Prime kit with hub, motors, and color sensor

• Colored paper strips or tracks

Beginner Track Learning Outcomes

• Connect Motors Correctly: Learners will configure hub ports for proper motor function.

• Program If Statements: Students will change robot behavior based on track colors.

• Use Loops for Monitoring: Learners will apply forever loops for continuous responses.

• Adjust Speed and Direction: Students will fine-tune vehicle performance on tracks.

• Compare to Traffic Systems: Learners will relate programming to real-world signals.

Advanced Track- Force Sensors in Vehicle Safety & Automation

Advanced learners explore the LEGO force sensor, building safety routines that simulate bumper systems and emergency responses.

Materials Required

• Laptop or tablet with SPIKE app installed

• LEGO SPIKE Prime kit with hub, motors, and force sensor

• Barrier setup for testing

Advanced Track Learning Outcomes

• Explain Force Sensors: Students will describe how force sensors measure pressure.

• Simulate Vehicle Safety: Learners will program bump detection and auto-stop systems.

• Integrate Sensors with Motors: Students will create reactive safety programs.

• Design Escape Behaviors: Learners will code robots to reroute when trapped.

• Connect to Real Safety Systems: Students will link robotics learning to airbags, brakes, and crash detection.

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