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Using no computers, soldering or programming, this workshop is the ideal introduction to robotics, design and electronics. Participants will design and build a remote-controlled fighting robot using the materials provided. All components are pre-soldered, pre-programmed, and simply plug together so the focus is on design, breaking down the barriers to the hobby. The workshop will be divided into 2 sessions, with a lunchbreak in the middle.

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Session 1 is design and build, with a short presentation on the components provided, and basic design. Constructed with hotglue, cardboard and paddle pop sticks, students have to design a robot that will be manoeuvrable, resistant to trips and flips, and with some type of offensive capability. Will you make a pusher, flipper, or a spinner, or maybe design something new?

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Session 2 will be competition with 3 events:

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Design and fashion show: After taking turns parading our robots down the catwalk, the class will be asked to vote on poise, grace and perceived combat  effectiveness.

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Obstacle course: timed challenge to navigate through our pre-prepared obstacle course.

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Battle tournament: Our robots will fight to the death against the other robots from the class (or at least until they are flipped over!).

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Participants have the option of either using a loaned kit, or purchasing their very own robot kit so they can continue to develop their robot or break it down into components for future projects after the workshop. The kit is made from commonly available, industry-standard components that are cheap, easily accessible and well documented on the internet.

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