CodeLine Robotics- Follow the Line.

Grades 4–8 | The Starting Line for Young Engineers

CodeLine Robotics: The Follow-the-Line Challenge

CodeLine Robotics is where young makers take their first steps into the world of robotics, programming, and engineering.
In this exciting, team-based challenge, students design and program an Arduino-powered robot that must follow a twisting black line across the competition track with precision, speed, and creativity.

Who Can Join

Students in grades 4 through 8 form teams of three to five members, guided by a dedicated adult mentor.

To keep competition fair, no team may have more than a two-year age gap between its youngest and oldest member.

Team categories ensure students compete alongside peers of similar skill and experience:

  • Rider Division: Grades 4–5
  • Runner Division: Grades 6–7
  • Sprinter Division: Age 13 and older

Each team’s “official age” is determined by its oldest member.

The Challenge

Each team receives a standard Arduino rover kit and the same mission — build, code, and refine a robot that can follow the printed track for as long as possible without losing the line.

The track is a 36” × 72” white field with a black printed path that grows tighter, faster, and more complex as it winds forward. Along the way, yellow scoring posts mark milestones. Teams earn points based on the last post reached before the robot veers off or stalls.

The course is intentionally difficult — in all the years of testing, no robot has ever reached the finish line.
It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress, creativity, and perseverance.

How the Competition Works

Teams arrive ready to compete with a completed robot and their final code.
Each team receives three runs during the event day. Once a run begins, the robot must operate completely autonomously — no human touch or guidance allowed.
Every run lasts up to three minutes, and the winner is determined by the highest total score across all three runs.

Events conclude with recognition for:

  • Best Engineering Design
  • Most Creative Build
  • Longest Distance Followed
  • Team Spirit and Collaboration

Learning Outcomes

Through the CodeLine Robotics experience, students will:

  • Learn the fundamentals of electronics, sensors, and Arduino programming.
  • Develop skills in mechanical design and logical problem-solving.
  • Experience real teamwork — learning to communicate, share ideas, and iterate together.
  • Build resilience through trial, error, and incremental success.
  • Connect classroom learning to real-world engineering.

Kits and Equipment

Robots are built from a popular, affordable Arduino rover kit that includes:
Arduino Uno • H-Bridge Motor Driver • Chassis with Drive Motors and Wheels • Metal Caster • 3 Light-Dependent Resistors • 10k Resistors • 4×AAA Battery Holder

This standardized kit ensures a level playing field and focuses the competition on learning, design, and ingenuity — not expensive hardware.

Equity and Access

AVSTEAMLeague is committed to providing free participation to underserved communities by securing grants and sponsorships.

  • Schools and Youth Organizations: May request up to two kits at no cost.
    When they participate in a challenge event, they keep the kits and can earn two more kits for each additional event they join.
  • Families: May request one kit with a refundable credit-card hold equal to the kit’s value. Participate in the event and the kit is free; if not, simply return it within seven days.
  • Anyone may also purchase a kit at cost and join the fun.

Mentors and Training

Every team must have a dedicated adult mentor.
AVSTEAMLeague provides free mentor training, educational materials, and open weekend sessions for teams needing help, tools, or workspace.

  • Parents may mentor one team.
  • Teachers or recognized youth program leaders may mentor up to four.

These mentors are the bridge between creativity and capability, helping students navigate challenges and celebrate every success.

Safety and Standards

All activities follow school-safe low-voltage electronics practices, and all kits use classroom-approved materials suitable for elementary and middle school use.
Events are staffed by trained mentors and league officials to ensure every participant’s safety.

Pathways for Growth

CodeLine Robotics is just the first step in the AVSTEAMLeague journey.
Graduates can continue to:

  • Advanced Autonomous Dirt Racing — build rugged off-road bots and compete in terrain navigation.
  • Creative Robotics and Design — create expressive, artistic robotics projects.
  • Code for Kids — explore coding logic and storytelling through Scratch and animation.

Each track builds new skills while deepening the excitement that begins with CodeLine Robotics.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a school, community group, family, or sponsor, CodeLine Robotics is your invitation to join a growing movement of creativity, engineering, and discovery in the Antelope Valley.

Start a team. Become a mentor. Sponsor a challenge.
Help us inspire the next generation of thinkers, tinkerers, and makers — one robot at a time.