What is RoboCupJunior?

RoboCupJunior (RCJ) ( http://www.robocupjunior.org) is an international project-oriented educational initiative that sponsors, local, regional and international robotics events for young students up through age 19.

The focus of RCJ is on education through robotics. RCJ brings together many of today’s educational goals, promoting constructivist, learner-centered, project-oriented, team-based education, giving children with a variety of interests and abilities an opportunity to pick their own challenges while contributing to the progress of the whole. The RCJ initiative provides an exciting introduction to the field of robotics, a new way to develop technical abilities through hands-on experience with electronics, hardware and software, and a highly motivating opportunity to learn about teamwork while sharing technology with friends. In contrast to the one-child-one computer scenario frequently seen today, RoboCupJunior provides a unique opportunity for participants with a variety of interests and strengths to work together as a team to achieve a common goal.

RCJ stands apart from other robotics programs for young students for several reasons. RCJ is focused more on education than competition. The RCJ challenges remain the same from one year to the next, providing a scaffolded learning environment in which students can develop, sophisticated solutions as they grow and expand their knowledge. Since the RCJ challenges – Soccer, Rescue and Dance – are familiar to many people, they allow spectators to watch and understand what they are observing, without needing explanation. RCJ delves more deeply into computer science and programming due to its emphasis on autonomous robots. Sitting at the entry-level of the adult International RoboCup initiative, RCJ is strongly committed to education and involvement of young people in technology.