Check out our current and past project gallery here
Wondering how you will be graded in this course? Download the course rubric here.

Welcome!
Welcome to Robotic Technologies 9. Our shop is all about inquiry and project based learning with as many hands-on authentic experiences as possible. Our shop culture is based on respect and inclusive learning where everyone is welcome, regardless of previous knowledge.
Robotics 9 Big Ideas
- Social, ethical, and sustainability considerations impact design.
- Complex tasks require the sequencing of skills.
- Complex tasks require different technologies and tools at different stages.
Design Challenge #1

Challenge
Design a race vehicle using Vex IQ kits for a 50 foot, straight race track
Designs should include:
- drawings of multiple ideas, where a final design is chosen to develop
- space available to experiment with different gearing ratio
Design Constraints
- No weight restriction
- Limited to 1 brain, 4 motors
- No intentional contact or obstruction of other vehicles during the race

Learning outcomes
- basic robot behaviours using input/output devices, movement- and sensor-based responses, and microcontrollers
- mechanical devices for the transfer of mechanical energy
- mechanical advantage and power efficiency, including friction, force, and torque
Design Challenge #2
Challenge
Design a sumo-robot using Vex IQ kits to to autonomously push you opponent out of a ring.
Designs should include:
- low enough gearing so your wheel motors will not stall before losing traction
- a color sensor to detect when your robot reaches the edge of the area
Design Constraints
- No weight restriction, but you are limited to the components in your Vex IQ kit
- Limited to 1 brain, 4 motors
- Your robot must drive itself with no outside inputs expect for starting and stopping the robot at the start and end of the match
Learning outcomes
- mechanical devices for the transfer of mechanical energy
- mechanical advantage and power efficiency, including friction, force, and torque
- robotics coding
Below are the files that will get you started with your sumo programming. Congrats to L.B. for being the first to get it working!
Design Challenge #3
Challenge
Design Constraints
Learning outcomes
Design a 3D Model using tinkercad.com that we will then print on our 3D Printer as a introduction to Rapid Prototyping
Model ideas:
- key-chain
- Christmas ornament
- Name-tag
Be sure to share your final project on our Padlet!!!
Model must be withing 10cm x 10cm x 2 cm
Exceptions can be made for smaller but taller models if approved by Mr. Leitch
Be creative! The sky is the limit!
- Take creative risks in generating ideas and add to others’ ideas in ways that enhance them
- Prototype, making changes to tools, materials, and procedures as needed
- Develop an appropriate test of the prototype
- Identify and use appropriate tools, technologies, materials, and processes for production
- Choose, adapt, and if necessary learn about appropriate tools and technologies to use for tasks
Design Challenge #4
Challenge
Design Constraints
Learning outcomes
Design a Battle Bot that will try to incapacitate their opponent.
The Robot will be controlled using a tethered remote and an H-Bridge circuit.
The body must be made from recycled or re-purposed materials.
There must be no potential to hurt anyone that handles the bot: no sharp edges, no flames, to chemicals, etc. If you aren’t sure, ask Mr. Leitch
Components of an electric circuit
Ohm’s law
Mechanical advantage and power efficiency, including friction, force, and torque
Uses of electronics and robotics
Surf Glider Paper Airplane – https://www.airspacemag.com/articles/paper-airplane-flies-forever-180950340/
Leitch Tech latest news
-
BBQ and SUMO!
Congratulations to our VEX EDR teams. That was a great BBQ yesterday and we have our first fully functional VEX EDR Sumo Robot! Thanks everyone.
-
Robot Programming Challenge Winner
Congratulations to L. B. for being the first to program a functioning autonomous sumo robot!
-
Time to order parts!
Some groups are ready to order auto parts for their groups. Be sure to let me know ASAP when you know what you need. – Mr. Leitch
-
Engine Progress
One way or another that engine is coming out tomorrow! Great work today engine crew in Block A.
-
Jeep Crews
Fantastic progress on the jeep everyone. Engine will be out as soon as our engine hoist gets an overhaul.
-
Robotic Engineering 9 Race!
Great Job to everyone that competed in the Vex IQ race. We had some incredible designs.
-
Welcome to Leitch Tech!
Thanks for joining our shop. You have made a great choice! This year you can look forward to rebuilding a classic Jeep, competing with world class teams in one of the biggest robotics competitions in the world – First Robotics – and having fun with in-house robotic design challenges.