Toronto
York University
4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3
Building Smart, Responsive Robots
Feb 28, 2026
11:00 am – 3:00 pm EST
WORKSHOP
Building Smart, Responsive Robots
Experience a hands-on interactive robotics workshop for Black youth focused on sensors, logic, and robot decision-making.
Feb 28, 2026
Register today. Space is limited.
Space is limited. Select your location to register:
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About this workshop
This February Workshop emphasizes integrated logic and autonomy. Beginners combine the hub, motors, and sensors with if/else and forever loops to create robots that continuously respond to their surroundings, changing direction, speed, or behaviour based on what their sensors “see.” This helps them understand how simple rules can create dynamic, lifelike robot actions.
Advanced learners go further by implementing distance sensors to design robots that detect, slow down for, or avoid obstacles, much like autonomous vehicles navigating roads or robots moving safely in warehouses. They explore how timing, sensor placement, and decision logic all affect performance.
Both tracks stress the role of smart systems in modern automation and highlight how robotics is reshaping transportation, manufacturing, and everyday life. Learners are encouraged to think critically about the benefits, challenges, and societal impact of increasingly autonomous technologies.
Integrating Hub, Colour Sensors, and Motors
Beginners build robots that use multiple devices in one program, applying loops to monitor and respond to sensor input.
Materials Required
- Laptop or tablet with SPIKE app installed
- LEGO SPIKE Prime kit with hub, motors, and colour sensor
- Coloured tracks
Beginner Track Learning Outcomes
- Integrate Multiple Devices
Learners will connect hub, motors, and sensors in one program. - Apply Conditional Logic
Students will program colour-based decision-making. - Use Loops Effectively
Learners will monitor sensor input continuously. - Control Motion Parameters
Students will adjust speed and turning based on inputs. - Relate to Automation
Learners will compare robotics to smart machines.
Distance Sensors & Autonomous Vehicle Control
Advanced learners use distance sensors to program vehicles that avoid obstacles and navigate independently.
Materials Required
- Laptop or tablet with SPIKE app installed
- LEGO SPIKE Prime kit with hub, motors, and distance sensor
- Obstacle course materials
Advanced Track Learning Outcomes
- Explain Distance Sensors
Students will describe ultrasonic measurement principles. - Code Obstacle Avoidance
Learners will program robots to stop, reverse, or reroute. - Apply Conditional Logic
Students will use distance thresholds in if/then logic. - Develop Pathfinding Routines
Learners will build autonomous navigation programs. - Relate to Self-Driving Tech
Students will connect robotics to autonomous cars and drones.
Register by location
Hamilton
McMaster University, John Hodgins Engineering Building
1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON
Building Smart, Responsive Robots
Feb 28, 2026
11:00 am – 3:00 pm EST
Windsor
University of Windsor, Erie Building
401 Sunset Avenue, Windsor, ON
Building Smart, Responsive Robots
Feb 28, 2026
11:00 am – 3:00 pm EST
Edmonton
NorQuest College
10215 108 St NW, Edmonton, AB
Building Smart, Responsive Robots
Feb 28, 2026
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm MST
Calgary
Computer Lab
2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB
Building Smart, Responsive Robots
Feb 28, 2026
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm MST
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