Robotics Challenge

The Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge is a curriculum-linked, year-long programme that helps improve the perception of engineering among both girls and boys.

Since its launch in 2015, over 32,000 students and 1,000 teachers have taken part. Its popularity with schools speaks for itself, with over 130% more applications than places in 2018/19.

The Robotics Challenge gets students aged 11 to 14 working together in teams to solve real-world engineering, technology and computing challenges.

Facilitated by their teachers, students learn how to design, build and control robots to complete a series of challenges and develop and present short research projects into a contemporary engineering problem.

Students who participate in the Robotics Challenge build their STEM skills, develop strong personal skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving and confidence, and uncover future STEM career possibilities.

Schools receive everything they need to participate in the Challenge - robotics kits, training for teachers, opportunity to compete against other teams - free of charge, so that every school has the chance to take part.

The finals of the challenge take place at The Big Bang Fair.

The Robotics Challenge is led by EngineeringUK and Helsington in partnership with The Royal Air Force and supported by Rolls-Royce and Reece Foundation.

Find out more about the programme on the Tomorrow's Engineers website

Participants in the Robotics Challenge report higher levels of knowledge of careers in STEM, are more positive about STEM subjects and rate STEM careers as more desirable compared with the general population of 11 to 14 year olds.

Supporting the Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Programme provides opportunities to:

• Help inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, opening up ideas for future careers
• Give more schools the chance to take on the Robotics Challenge
• Develop young people’s interpersonal, digital and engineering skills
• Upskill teachers and help grow their technical expertise
• Be part of a year-round, successful UK-wide programme, reaching 46,000 students over the next 3 years
• Build and extend strong local links with schools
• Deliver diversity and inclusion strategies, encouraging young people from all backgrounds to consider a career in engineering