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

Sat May 30 2026 at 01:00 pm to 05:00 pm UTC-06:00

University of Calgary Computer Lab | Calgary

Black Boys Code
Publisher/HostBlack Boys Code
Black Boys Code Calgary - Robo-Race Challenge: Optimize & Compete
Advertisement
Join us for an exciting workshop designed just for boys aged 8-17! Whether they’re brand new to coding or eager to level up their skills.
About this Event

Workshop Overview

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.


Beginner Track - Final Automated Vehicle Competition

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

Materials Required

  • Laptop or tablet with SPIKE app installed
  • LEGO SPIKE Prime kit (hub, motors, colour sensor)
  • Competition track

Learning Outcomes

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


Advanced Track - Python Robot Movement & Automation

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

Materials Required

  • LEGO SPIKE Prime kit (motors and hub)
  • Laptop or tablet with SPIKE Python environment
  • Testing space/track

Learning Outcomes

  • 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
  • Break Down Problems: Use step-by-step logic (decomposition) for complex tasks
  • Explore Real-World Applications: Understand how robotics programming applies to engineering and automation


For further questions you may have on the day of the workshop, please reach out to [email protected]

Or [email protected]

Register Now, Space Is Limited!


Event Photos
Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

University of Calgary Computer Lab, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, Canada

Tickets

CAD 0.00

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Calgary

"Waiting Room" Punk Rock Flea Market YYC
Sat, 30 May at 11:00 am "Waiting Room" Punk Rock Flea Market YYC

Thorncliffe Greenview Community Association & Recreation Centre

Search & Rescue Outdoor Show
Sat, 30 May at 11:00 am Search & Rescue Outdoor Show

Capitol Hill Community Centre

Financial Lunch & Learn + Self Defense Workshop
Sat, 30 May at 11:30 am Financial Lunch & Learn + Self Defense Workshop

Blakiston Park

New Brighton's Festival of Flavours
Sat, 30 May at 12:00 pm New Brighton's Festival of Flavours

2 New Brighton Drive, Calgary, AB, Canada, Alberta T2Z 4B2

Bachata Bootcamp | 5 Hours
Sat, 30 May at 12:00 pm Bachata Bootcamp | 5 Hours

Dance Life Calgary

Hand & Rod Puppetry For Film & TV Workshop
Sat, 30 May at 12:00 pm Hand & Rod Puppetry For Film & TV Workshop

Puppet Stuff Canada

Paint Me To Positano
Sat, 30 May at 01:30 pm Paint Me To Positano

YW Community Hub

Electronic Music Production with Strudel Live Coding Workshop
Sat, 30 May at 01:30 pm Electronic Music Production with Strudel Live Coding Workshop

The Alcove Centre for the Arts, 7 Avenue Southwest, Calgary, AB, Canada

Wine & Food Deconstructed
Sat, 30 May at 02:00 pm Wine & Food Deconstructed

Market Wines- University District

MOVIE PREMIRE
Sat, 30 May at 02:30 pm MOVIE PREMIRE

1216 34 Ave NE

Roda de Samba - Galo Samb\u00f4
Sat, 30 May at 03:00 pm Roda de Samba - Galo Sambô

10709 Rocky Ridge Blvd NW

Maven Movement presents THE WORLD OF OZ!
Sat, 30 May at 04:00 pm Maven Movement presents THE WORLD OF OZ!

Decidedly Jazz Danceworks

Calgary is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Calgary Events