Age-based divisions support younger and older students.
Autonomous Robotics for Grades K–12
Botball Explorer is a hands-on robotics program where students design, build, and program autonomous robots to complete interactive missions—without drivers or remote controls.
With two age-based divisions, flexible robot options, educator resources, and a complete classroom-ready kit, Botball Explorer welcomes new and experienced teams.
Preview the 2026-2027 Stack Attack Game
Botball Explorer provides an approachable path into autonomous robotics while giving experienced students room to take on more advanced challenges.
Age-based divisions support younger and older students.
Discovery for grade 6 and below; Expedition for grades 7–12.
No drivers or remote controls after a match begins.
Use the KIPR Explorer Kit or another qualifying robot.
Designed for classrooms, after-school programs, clubs, and competitive robotics teams.
Botball Explorer turns robotics into a series of engaging, achievable missions that challenge students to transform their ideas into working autonomous solutions.
Students apply programming, engineering, and problem-solving skills as they design a robot, test their ideas, troubleshoot problems, and improve their solutions.
Teams can begin with the complete Botball Explorer Robot Kit or use another qualifying platform they already own. Two divisions provide an approachable starting point for younger students while giving older and more experienced students room to take on advanced challenges.
The robot does the work on its own. After a mission begins, there are no drivers or remote controls—only the students’ programming and engineering.
Every mission encourages students to repeat the engineering process and improve their solution.
Step inside Mission Control for a preview of Stack Attack, the 2026-2027 Botball Explorer game. Explore the competition field, review this season’s autonomous missions, and see samples of the curriculum and educator resources that support teams throughout the season.
This public preview includes selected game and curriculum materials. Registered teams receive complete access to season resources.
Students move from choosing their challenge to completing autonomous missions in five approachable steps.
Choose Discovery or Expedition based on your students’ grade level and experience.
Use the KIPR Explorer Kit or another qualifying autonomous robotics platform.
Design and configure your robot to meet the current program requirements.
Write the code that allows the robot to sense, decide, and act on its own.
Put your solution to the test as the robot completes missions and earns points.
Botball Explorer creates an environment where students can apply classroom concepts, work through meaningful challenges, and see their ideas come to life.
Students gain practical experience with the skills that drive modern technology while learning how to approach complex problems with confidence.
Mission-based challenges give students a reason to test, troubleshoot, and improve instead of stopping with their first solution.
Flexible divisions, equipment options, and team roles allow students with different interests and experience levels to make meaningful contributions.