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
WORKSHOP
Robo-Race Challenge – Optimize & Compete
A robotics workshop focused on optimization, friendly competition, and final project refinement, with students preparing their robots for race-day challenges and final presentations.
May 30, 2026
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About this workshop
May workshop focuses on refinement and friendly competition. Beginners optimize their robots for a line-following race, fine-tuning speed, turns, and sensor placement to achieve smoother and faster runs. They add countdowns, sounds, and simple animations so their robots “announce” the start of a race or celebrate crossing the finish line, making the experience fun and engaging. Along the way, they compare strategies, share tips with teammates, and see how small code changes can lead to big performance improvements.
Advanced learners use May to finalize their capstone builds and bring all their skills together. They test reliability under different conditions, refine how their robots handle obstacles or complete tasks, and polish both the technical and visual aspects of their designs. They also prepare for presentations by organizing their documentation, clarifying the problem their robot addresses, and practicing how to explain their design choices, challenges, and breakthroughs to an audience. This month sets the stage for a confident, well-prepared showcase in June.
Beginners refine programs and race their robots on a competition track.
Materials Required
- Laptop or tablet with SPIKE app installed
- LEGO SPIKE Prime kit with hub, motors, and colour sensor
- Competition course
Beginner Track Learning Outcomes
- Optimize Robot Control
Learners will fine-tune speed and steering settings. - Add Countdown Displays
Students will program 5-to-1 countdowns on the LED matrix. - Incorporate Sounds
Learners will add beeps or custom sounds to signal race start. - Balance Speed and Accuracy
Students will learn trade-offs between speed and control.
Compete in Robo-Race
Learners will participate in a timed competition.
Advanced learners finalize capstone projects, ensuring readiness for showcase.
Materials Required
- LEGO SPIKE Prime kits
- Laptop or tablet with SPIKE app installed
- Testing tracks and notes
Advanced Track Learning Outcomes
- Complete Project Builds
Students will finalize fully functional prototypes. - Systematically Test Robots
Learners will run trials to identify and solve issues. - Optimize Stability and Efficiency
Students will refine performance for reliability. - Prepare Documentation
Learners will summarize designs, tests, and solutions.
Ensure Showcase Readiness
Students will make final preparations for July presentations.
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TESTIMONIALS
Feedback from our community
The class was really fun. And the teachers help you out a lot. I can't wait to come here next year. I feel like this would help me because I want to be an IT engineer, and I…
Temi, Toronto
The class has brought out… hidden critical thinking skills like logical, reasoning, problem solving and creativity. We appreciate the program for providing a conducive, inclusive and student centered environment. This program help built student confidence, understanding and ultimately preparing them for future success.
Oluwaseyi, Parent, Regina