The Botball Difference

Real-World Programming

The robots in Botball are always autonomous - no remote control is used. Instead, students learn to program their robots in advance using C, the most widely used programming language in industry and academia. Botball gives students the tools to develop sophisticated strategies using artificial intelligence with embedded systems.

Additionally, Botball students submit documentation that details the design of their software as a required part of the competition.

"Botball is the premiere autonomous robot contest."
— Mark León, Manager of the NASA Robotics Alliance Project

Maximum Engineering With Minimum Tools

All the tools you need for Botball

The Botball game kit provides an iRobot® Create robot base (similar to the Roomba robot vacuum cleaner), LEGO® pieces, compatible metal parts, motors, servos, a multitude of sensors, two cameras for use with the built in computer vision system, and all the tools required so that students can complete the mechanical construction of their robots without the need for power tools or a machine shop. This helps level the playing field amongst competitors with different access to these resources.

Reusable Components

All components of the Botball kit, including building materials, robot controllers, sensors, and motors, remain with the team leader after the tournament for use in the classroom. In a recent survey, 86% of Botball team leaders reported using these components for educational activities outside of Botball throughout the academic year.

Educator Training and Support

I went to the Botball workshop knowing very little about programming and came out with a working robot that I programmed myself.
— C. Edington, Teacher and Team Leader

Teachers who know how to use robotics to teach STEM and have appropriate educational materials can impact students for years. That's why every Botball region hosts a hands-on professional development workshop for educators, developed and taught by professional roboticists.

After the workshop, the KISS Institute for Practical robotics provides technical support and advice throughout the Botball season.