WORKSHOP

Robo-Race Challenge: Optimize & Compete

Get ready to dive deep into the world of AI with Black Boys Code London and explore how it's tackling real-world challenges!

May 30, 2026
AGES: 8 – 17
COST: FREE
FORMAT: IN-PERSON

Register today. Space is limited.

Space is limited. Select your location to register:

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About this workshop

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.

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

Learning Outcomes

Race to Win: Put your robot to the test in an exciting timed Robo-Race challenge

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

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

Learning Outcomes

Break Down Problems: Use step-by-step logic (decomposition) for complex tasks

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

Register by location

Toronto

York University – Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence
11 Arboretum Lane, North York, ON M3J 1P3

Robo-Race Challenge: Optimize & Compete

May 30, 2026
11:00 AM – 03:00 PM
IN-PERSONFREE

Hamilton

McMaster University, John Hodgins Engineering Building
1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON

Robo-Race Challenge: Optimize & Compete

May 30, 2026
11:00 AM – 03:00 PM
IN-PERSONFREE

Calgary

University of Calgary, School of Computer Science
2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB

Robo-Race Challenge: Optimize & Compete

May 30, 2026
01:00 PM – 05:00 PM
IN-PERSONFREE

Edmonton

NorQuest College
10215 108 St NW, Edmonton, AB

Robo-Race Challenge: Optimize & Compete

May 30, 2026
01:00 PM – 05:00 PM
IN-PERSONFREE

Windsor

University of Windsor, Erie Building
401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, ON

Robo-Race Challenge: Optimize & Compete

May 30, 2026
11:00 AM – 03:00 PM
IN-PERSONFREE

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