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Sample layout for the package dash challenge showing the loading dock in the lower left corner, three areas for can placement, and the start area in the upper right corner with a Clawbot inside it.
Starting the Package Dash Challenge

Package Dash Challenge

In this challenge, you will program your robot to pick up a package and bring it to a loading dock as fast as possible!

Challenge rules:

  • The robot must begin the challenge in the Start Zone.
  • The package (aluminum can) can only come in contact with the squared-off area, the Clawbot's claw, and the Loading Dock.
    • If a package is dropped on the warehouse ground, you must reset the field and start over again.
  • The time for each run starts as soon as the robot moves.
  • The time stops as soon as the package is dropped in the loading dock.
  • When resetting the field, everything should be returned to the exact location as it started.
  • Have fun!

Bonus Challenge: Add sounds for when the robot is backing up and lights from the Touch LED to indicate when the robot has picked a package up and placed it in the loading dock.

Increase complexity: Add more packages (cans) that the robot must pick up! Multiple rounds can be played.

Teacher Tips icon Teacher Tips

  • Increase engagement by creating a backstory or purpose to the warehouse! What kind of warehouse is it? What types of packages are found in the warehouse? Who owns the warehouse?

  • Allow students to create different routes or strategies that will allow them to transport the can(s) more efficiently.

  • Compare not only the times to completion to decide the winner of this challenge (if you're organizing it to be competitive) but also the navigation techniques used so that students can consider other teams' solutions.

Teacher Toolbox icon Teacher Toolbox - Solution and Discussion

At the end of the challenge, ask the students to brainstorm how they could have improved their project to decrease their time. Facilitate the discussion by asking:

  • What was the most difficult part of the challenge?

  • Is there a different path that could have been taken to shorten the distance and time?

  • Were there any ideas in other groups' projects that you want to include in your own? If so, which ones and how?

  • If you were to do the challenge over, would you do it differently?

A programming rubric to evaluate students can be found by clicking one of the following links (Google Doc/.docx/.pdf)

Here is one possible solution to the challenge, there can be multiple (Google Doc/.pdf). This solution includes grabbing one package (can). It can be expanded for multiple packages (cans).

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