Open Platform Competition Coaching

Program Summary

This fast-track 16-hour coaching program prepares students for RAT Open, the open-platform robotics competition where teams can use any hardware, materials, sensors, or custom-built mechanisms (ratevents.org). The RAT Open encompasses two age divisions:

Junior Division (8–12 years old)
Senior Division (13–18 years old)

The bootcamp is designed to match the needs of both groups. Younger students may use VEX IQ with light custom modifications (laser-cut add-ons, 3D-printed attachments), while older students may work with VEX EXP or fully custom platforms, integrating 3D-printed components, laser-cut chassis parts, advanced sensors, and bespoke mechanisms.

All coaching is led by British-qualified teachers, focusing on authentic engineering, purposeful documentation, and competition-ready performance.

Program Schedule

Two Intakes Per Year

Our program is designed to be flexible and accessible, offering two opportunities annually for students to join and participate in the RAT Foundation’s innovative robotics learning experience.

April Intake → May RAT Open Event

Students enrolling in the April intake will complete the intensive course in time to participate in the May RAT Open Event.

This gives teams the chance to apply their newly developed skills directly in a real competitive environment shortly after training.

August Intake → October RAT Open Event

The August intake prepares students for the October RAT Open Event, allowing them to experience the excitement of competition at the end of their training cycle.

This intake is ideal for students who want a mid-year start or who are preparing for robotics activities in the second semester.

Total Instructional Time: 16 Hours

This is a short but intensive course designed to deliver maximum impact in a focused timeframe.

Students engage in hands-on robotics challenges, engineering fundamentals, programming practice, and competition strategy, all structured to prepare them for the RAT Open Events.

Key Features & Benefits

Two Competition Age Divisions
(8–12 & 13–18)

The program is tailored for both divisions of RAT Open:

8–12 years (Junior Division): VEX IQ allowed, with supervised custom modifications such as 3D-printed brackets, laser-cut structural enhancements, and optimized gearing.
13–18 years (Senior Division): VEX EXP or complete open-platform builds (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, custom electronics) with full freedom to fabricate custom mechanisms and parts.

Open Platform Creativity

Students are not limited by kits — they can combine VEX, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, off-the-shelf components, or fully custom builds. The platform is chosen based on age group, ability, and strategic needs.
🔗 ratevents.org

Custom Hardware & Rapid Fabrication

Across both divisions, students design parts in CAD and fabricate using:

3D printers
Laser cutters
Basic machining tools

Junior Division uses guided customization; Senior Division uses full custom design.

British-Qualified Teaching Staff

Coaches trained in UK STEM methodologies provide expert guidance in:

Mechanical design
Electrical systems
Control logic and sensors
Debugging and strategic engineering

Competition Strategy for Both Age Groups

Students learn to:

Select optimal drive systems
Integrate sensors
Create stable scoring mechanisms
Iterate quickly during mock matches
Build autonomous routines appropriate to their age division

Documentation & Judging Preparation

Both divisions are coached on:

Engineering portfolios
Build logs
Design rationale
Presentation and technical communication

Sample 16-Hour Bootcamp Breakdown

(Automatically adjusted for age division and chosen platform)

Kickoff & Challenge Review

Hour 1–2

RAT Open rules review for Junior & Senior divisions

Brainstorm strategies appropriate to each age group

Team formation and goal definitions

System Architecture & Platform Selection

Hour 3–4

Junior: VEX IQ customization paths

Senior: VEX EXP or open-platform selection

Subsystem planning (drive, lift, manipulators, sensors)

CAD Concepts & Rapid Mockups

Hour 5–6

Junior: simple CAD brackets / attachments

Senior: full mechanism design

Produce prototypes via 3D printing / laser cutting

Fabrication & Drive Build

Hour 7–8

Assemble drivetrain

Test movement & balance

Basic sensor integration (optical, distance, gyro)

Mechanisms, Sensors & Wiring

Hour 9–10

Junior: supervised attachments and simple scoring tools

Senior: wiring advanced sensors, custom manipulators

Debug mechanical-electrical interfaces

Control Systems & Autonomous Logic

Hour 11–12

Junior: simplified autonomous behaviors

Senior: path planning, failsafes, iterative tuning

Sensor calibration

Iteration & Optimization

Hour 13–14

Strengthen structure

Reduce weight

Improve stability

Tune sensors and control algorithms

Mock Matches & Competition Prep

Hour 15–16

Match simulations

Scoring trials

Documentation finalization

Presentation / judging rehearsal

Build Beyond Boundaries

Join our intensive 16-hour coaching program for RAT Open, the open-platform robotics competition with two age divisions (8–12 and 13–18). Under the guidance of British-qualified teachers, students design and prototype custom robots using CAD, laser cutting, 3D printing, and advanced sensors — all matched to their skill level.

Younger teams may work with VEX IQ plus custom 3D-printed or laser-cut upgrades, while older teams push into VEX EXP or fully custom open-platform builds. By the end of the bootcamp, students are competition-ready with optimized robots, strategies, and polished documentation.

Perfect for students who want to break free from fixed kits and engineer their own path to competition success — whether competing in May or October.