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Engineering Design with Robotics

Design, Build, and Program Your Own Robot Machines​​​​

Engineering Design with Robotics is an Integrated Learning Component of the RoboBlocky Curriculum that enables students to Design, Build, and Program Their Own Robot Machines while exploring and applying engineering design, computational thinking, mathematics, computer science, robotics, creativity, and STEAM through authentic real-world engineering projects and challenges. These authentic engineering design experiences complement and reinforce mathematics by connecting mathematical concepts with real-world engineering design and problem solving while strengthening computational thinking, creativity, collaboration, and innovation. 

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Unlike traditional robotics activities where students primarily assemble predefined models, Engineering Design with Robotics encourages students to investigate problems, build prototypes, test ideas, refine designs, and ultimately design their own robot machines to solve new challenges through authentic engineering design experiences.

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Engineering Design with Robotics supports RoboBlocky Math™, STEAM, Computer Science, and Engineering Design with Robotics Pathways, Expanded Learning with Robotics, RoboParade™, RoboEngineering Expo™, and RoboPlay™ Competitions, providing a common engineering design experience throughout the RoboBlocky Curriculum.​​​

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One Robot. One Platform.

Unlimited Engineering Design Possibilities.

Engineering Design with Robotics is built upon Barobo's patented Linkbot modular robotics platform.

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Each Linkbot functions as a programmable robot building block with precision actuators and wireless connectivity. Using Barobo's patented SnapConnect™ technology, students can quickly connect Linkbots, OmniBots, Arduino modules, ultrasonic sensors, LEGO® components, and accessories without special tools, allowing them to focus on engineering design, computational thinking, creativity, and innovation rather than mechanical assembly.

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Most engineering design projects can be completed entirely using SnapConnect technology, enabling students to rapidly build, program, test, modify, and improve robot machines while seeing immediate results.

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For schools wishing to further expand engineering experiences, the platform also supports optional LEGO® integration, custom materials, mechanical fasteners, and 3D-printed parts.

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The same robot and platform support engineering design learning from TK through Grade 12, enabling students to continually build their engineering knowledge and skills while using familiar tools year after year.

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A Unified Robotics Platform

Engineering Design with Robotics provides one common robotics platform integrating:

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  • Linkbots

  • OmniBots

  • Arduino

  • Sensor-Based Robotics

  • LEGO® Connection Pack (optional)

  • 3D Printing (optional)

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Students can freely combine these technologies to Design, Build, and Program Their Own Robot Machines while exploring an unlimited variety of engineering applications.

Engineering Design with Robotics Resources

Engineering Design with Robotics includes a comprehensive collection of curriculum resources supporting students from TK through Grade 12.

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Students are inspired by a growing library of more than 100 2D and 3D structures built using Linkbot accessories as mathematical manipulatives and over 100 robot machines built using Linkbots and accessories.

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Each robot machine includes:

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  • Demonstration videos

  • Complete parts lists

  • Step-by-step building instructions

  • Ready-to-run programs

  • Engineering design guidance

  • Extension activities

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Resources include:

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  • Engineering Design with Robotics (Grades K–2)

  • Engineering Design with Robotics (Grades 3–5)

  • Engineering Design with Robotics (Grades 6–8)

  • Engineering Design with Robotics (Grades 9–12)

  • Programming OmniBot (TK–K)

  • Programming OmniBot (Grades 1–2)

  • Programming OmniBot (Grades 3–12)

  • Robot Machines Using LEGO® Connection Pack

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Together, these resources provide comprehensive engineering design experiences that enable students to Design, Build, and Program Their Own Robot Machines, explore engineering design, physical computing, and robotics, and prepare for RoboParade™, RoboEngineering Expo™, and RoboPlay™ Competitions.

Learn by Building. Innovate by Creating.

Engineering Design with Robotics follows a proven instructional approach that helps students progressively develop engineering design skills, confidence, creativity, and innovation.

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Students first build existing robot machines to learn engineering concepts, construction techniques, programming, and problem-solving strategies. As they gain confidence, they are encouraged to modify, improve, combine, or redesign those examples before ultimately Designing, Building, and Programming Their Own Robot Machines to solve authentic real-world problems.

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Rather than beginning with a blank page, students learn from successful engineering examples, then apply their knowledge and creativity to develop their own engineering solutions. This instructional approach encourages experimentation, collaboration, computational thinking, engineering design, and innovation while providing appropriate scaffolding for students with different backgrounds and experience levels.

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As students progress, they naturally transition from following guided engineering projects to investigating open-ended engineering challenges, designing original robot machines, and sharing their ideas through RoboParade™, RoboEngineering Expo™, and RoboPlay™ Competitions.

Open-Ended Engineering Design with Robotics

Engineering Design with Robotics also includes a growing collection of open-ended engineering design challenges that encourage students to solve authentic real-world problems.

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Students investigate problems, develop ideas, build prototypes, test solutions, refine designs, and ultimately Design, Build, and Program Their Own Robot Machines while strengthening engineering design, computational thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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Rather than following a single prescribed solution, students are encouraged to explore multiple approaches and develop engineering solutions that reflect their own ideas and creativity.

Engineering Design with Robotics

Throughout the RoboBlocky Curriculum

Engineering Design with Robotics serves as a common instructional component throughout the RoboBlocky Curriculum, providing students with authentic opportunities to apply engineering design, computational thinking, mathematics, computer science, creativity, and robotics while complementing and reinforcing mathematics through authentic real-world engineering.

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Engineering Design with Robotics units are included in these courses:

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  • STEAM and Computer Science with Robotics (TK–8)

  • Introduction to Programming with C (Grades 7–8)

  • Physical Computing with Arduino (Grades 7–8)

  • Computer Science with Robotics (Grades 9–12)

  • Computer Programming for Solving Applied Problems (Grades 9–12)

  • Robotic Technologies (Grades 9–12)

  • Robotics Curriculum for Expanded Learning (TK–12)

  • Robotics-Math Curriculum for Expanded Learning (TK–12)

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These engineering design experiences naturally prepare students for:

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  • RoboParade™

  • RoboEngineering Expo™

  • RoboPlay™ Competitions

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while strengthening engineering design, computational thinking, mathematics, computer science, creativity, collaboration, communication, innovation, and real-world problem-solving skills.

From Inspiration to Innovation

Engineering Design with Robotics empowers students to move from inspiration to innovation by imagining, creating, testing, refining, and sharing their own engineering ideas while developing the knowledge, confidence, creativity, and technical skills needed for future success in engineering, computer science, robotics, artificial intelligence, and other technology fields.

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Students first develop confidence by building and programming existing robot machines. They then analyze and discuss their designs, generalize the engineering, mathematical, and programming concepts they have learned, and ultimately Design, Build, and Program Their Own Robot Machines to solve authentic real-world problems.

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Whether students begin by building a wind turbine, swing bridge, parade float, OmniBot, or another robot machine, the goal is always the same—to inspire the next generation of makers, innovators, engineers, scientists, and technology leaders.

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Be inspired by over 100 robot machines and those shown below—then Design, Build, and Program Your Own Robot Machines.

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