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

Workshop Overview

Our May Workshop takes students deeper into the world of intelligent robotics by introducing how real robots sense, remember, and make decisions using data. Participants will explore one of the most powerful concepts in modern robotics: how sensors, variables, and data work together to create truly responsive and autonomous systems.

Students will learn how robots “see” and “feel” the world using Sphero BOLT’s built-in sensors, then store and use that data to make smart decisions in real time. This workshop shifts learners from simply controlling robots to building intelligent systems that react, adapt, and learn from their environment.

Using Sphero BOLT, students will design programs that read sensor data (light, collision, motion, and direction), store information using variables and arrays, and use that data to guide robot behavior. Through hands-on challenges and a capstone project, learners will experience how real-world technologies, like self-driving cars and autonomous robots, are built.

This is a free workshop and an exciting opportunity for students to strengthen their coding, data thinking, and problem-solving skills in a fun and collaborative environment.

Workshop Activity - Variables, Data & Sensor-Based Robotics

Students will program Sphero robots to sense their environment, store data, and make intelligent decisions using variables and arrays.

Materials Required

Black Boys Code will provide all required materials. Just come ready to learn and innovate.

• Laptop or tablet with the Sphero EDU app installed
• Sphero BOLT robots
• Open floor space for robotics challenges and testing

Learning Outcomes

Understand Sensors in Robotics: Students will explore how robots use sensors (light, collision, gyroscope, accelerometer, IR, and compass) to detect and respond to their environment.

Use Data to Drive Decisions: Learners will read real-time sensor data and use it to control robot behavior, introducing the concept of intelligent, responsive systems.

Work with Variables & Data Storage: Students will store, update, and compare values such as speed, direction, and sensor readings using variables.

Build Memory with Arrays: Learners will use arrays to record sequences of events (e.g., collisions or movement paths), allowing robots to “remember” and replay actions.

Apply the Sense → Decide → Act Model: Participants will understand how real systems process input, make decisions, and produce outputs.

Design Autonomous Robot Behavior: Students will build programs where robots explore, react to obstacles, and adapt their movements without constant user control.

Strengthen Problem-Solving Skills: Through challenges and testing, learners will debug, refine, and improve their programs.

Deliverables

• Sensor-driven robot program
• Recorded data (e.g., movement paths or collision logs)
• Capstone project: Obstacle Mapper (robot that explores and maps its environment)
• Tested and refined working solution

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.

Register Now, Space Is Limited!

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Host or Publisher Black Boys Code USA