botball

Botball is an educational robotics program and competition founded in 1998 by the Innovation First International, the parent company of Hexbug. It is designed to introduce middle and high school students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields through hands-on experience with robotics. The program challenges teams of students to design, build, and program robots to autonomously perform a series of tasks against other teams' robots.

The core of Botball involves using a specific robotics kit, typically featuring a LEGO Mindstorms or similar microcontroller, motors, sensors, and building elements. Students are provided with the same basic set of equipment and a common set of rules for the competition each year. This allows for a level playing field and emphasizes creative problem-solving and programming skills. The game's objectives change annually, presenting new challenges that require innovative robot designs and sophisticated autonomous control strategies.

Botball competitions are held globally, with local, regional, and national tournaments. Beyond the technical aspects, the program also focuses on teamwork, project management, and critical thinking. Participants learn to collaborate, manage their time effectively, and adapt their designs based on testing and feedback. The program aims to foster a passion for technology and provide students with valuable skills applicable to future academic and professional pursuits.