Advanced Autonomous Dirt Racing

Grades 8–12 | Build Bold. Think Fast. Go Off-Road.

TrailBlazers Robotics Offroad Challenge

Where Engineering Meets the Open Road

The TrailBlazers Robotics Offroad Challenge is the ultimate test of creativity, control, and engineering grit. Building on the foundations of CodeLine Robotics and the Desert Bot League, this challenge pushes both students and machines to their limits.

Participants design and build robots capable of conquering an ever-changing landscape of off-road obstacles — from steep hills and deep pits to narrow balance beams and speed runs. No two events are ever the same, and no design can win them all. This is where real-world robotics meets innovation, adaptability, and problem-solving.

Who It’s For

This program is open to students in grades 4–8, and can be entered as either an individual or team challenge. Students may choose to compete solo or in teams of up to four members.

Each entry must have a dedicated mentor who provides guidance, ensures safety, and helps with project planning.

  • A parent may mentor one entry.
  • A teacher or qualified youth program professional may mentor up to four student entries.

TrailBlazers is designed for young engineers ready to take their robotics skills into the field — literally — and face challenges that reward both precision and creativity.

The Desert Challenge

Every event brings something new.
At the start of each meet, the challenge course and scoring criteria are announced. Students must then prepare their robots to handle a variety of conditions:

  • Hills and climbs that test traction and torque.
  • Pits and rough terrain that demand balance and control.
  • Speed runs and obstacle slaloms that reward quick thinking and precise maneuvering.

No two courses are alike — meaning every build, every strategy, and every moment counts.

Robot Inspection & Certification

Before entering the arena, every robot must pass a Road-Ready Inspection to ensure safety and fairness.

Robots must:

  • Comply with all component and construction rules.
  • Fit within a 10″ x 10″ x 10″ cube with no parts extending beyond the limit.
  • Weigh less than 5 lbs (batteries installed and ready to run).
  • Meet all control and communication safety standards.

Upon passing inspection, a colored certification tag and entry number will be applied to the robot. Referees reserve the right to disqualify any entry that poses a safety risk or violates construction limits.

Equipment and Materials

Approved systems and components include:

  • Control: 2.4G R/C transmitters (no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi)
  • Logic Board (optional): Arduino Uno, Mega, or Nano for advanced control and automation
  • Power: One battery, maximum 7.4V and 1000mAh (default 4×AA 6V set)
  • Motors: Up to four total — including standard servo, continuous servo, or 4.5V hobby motors
  • Electronics:
    • H-Bridge Dual Motor Controller
    • HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor
    • 5VDC Relay Module
    • RC Motor Speed Controller
    • LDR Light Sensor or Piezo Buzzer
    • LEDs, resistors, and wiring as needed
  • Mobility Options:
    • 2–4 wheels, treads, or plastic tank tracks
    • Foam or rubber tires
    • Up to two metal casters (max 1”)
  • Structural Materials:
    • Foam board, acrylic, and lightweight plastics
    • Decorative paint and markers (water-based only)
    • Up to five 3D-printed parts (≤1.5″ in any direction)
    • Foam Clay or EVA Foam may be used instead of printed parts

Control Systems

TrailBlazers robots may be controlled manually or semi-autonomously.
Students may choose between:

  • A standard R/C car-style controller, or
  • A wired or Arduino-based control system for greater flexibility and coding challenges.

This freedom allows students to combine mechanical design and programming skill — giving each entry its own distinct personality and approach.

Safety and Fair Play

  • All robots must remain within weight and voltage limits.
  • All participants and mentors are responsible for safe conduct during events.
  • Referees’ rulings on safety and competition results are final.

TrailBlazers emphasizes creativity, responsibility, and engineering integrity as much as competition.

Program Goals

  • Encourage advanced robotics design and engineering in real-world conditions
  • Develop critical problem-solving through unpredictable challenges
  • Combine coding, mechanics, and teamwork in applied STEM learning
  • Promote creativity, safety, and good sportsmanship

TrailBlazers is more than a robotics race — it’s an exploration of resilience, innovation, and what’s possible when young engineers take their creations off the line and into the wild.