At a glance

What this is: Individual young people learning to build and code robots that then link them to a wider community of support
Who it’s for: Young people who are not currently engaged in mainstream education
What makes it different: The robots become a colourful expression of how that young person is feeling
What is given: Each young person keeps their robot and is provided with a secure method of connecting to the RaceNode Network

A network of learner-built robots where identity, belonging and connection come first.

RaceHub Robotics is a physical computing project in which each participant builds, configures and owns their own robot, becoming part of a wider connected network of “nodes”.

At its heart, the project is about young people, who often feel overlooked or disconnected, building something that is recognisably theirs: and being noticed for it.

Each robot communicates the identity and a daily wellbeing update of its builder within a shared community.

Independent, but connected

The Core Idea: Hub is also Club

Every participant builds a robot that becomes their node within the network.

The young person is taught new skills of robot assembly, programming and development
The robot is physically built and configured by the learner
It is a personal but secure point of expression for them
It carries a visible and evolving “robotic” identity not linked to their real name
It reflects the learner’s current Ready To Race Level

The emphasis is on confident expression of achievement and wellbeing within an online community of support

Ready To Race (RTR) Levels

A central feature of RaceHub is the Ready To Race Level.

This is a visible marker of progress and current engagement capability.

A learner’s RTR Level reflects:

How far they have developed their robot
Their confidence with configuration and control
Their readiness to take part in shared activities

Each robot clearly displays its RTR Level, creating:

A sense of achievement and progression
A shared language across the network
Motivation to refine, improve and advance

The RTR Level is a concept stemming from our experience working with young people who suffer from a range of disadvantages including anxiety and other potentially limiting factors.

The InFindingOut project has been exploring methods of encouraging children to find ways to share their personally assessed level of wellbeing through technology, in the hopes that this engagement will promote positive steps towards being able to articulate what is going on inside them – so that they can better be supported to reach their full potential.

RTR is not just a measure of technical progress, but a visible (anonymised) indicator of confidence, engagement and readiness to connect.

Represented by a Robot

Each robot is more than a device. It is a representation of its owner.

Participants define their robot through:

A chosen RGB colour identity
A displayed face on an LED matrix
Optional hand-drawn face designs, digitally interpreted
Behaviour and responses shaped through configuration

Over time, this creates a genuine bond between learner and robot, where each robot becomes a visible, evolving expression of its creator

A Connected Community

RaceHub forms a secure community, not just a set of devices.

Each participant exists as a recognisable presence within what we call the RaceNode Network
Robots can be seen, identified and understood by others
Progress (through RTR Levels) is visible across the community

The robot is both physical item and link to the community: young people choose a name and a distinctive colour scheme / pixel image for their creation that links it to them and that can represent themm without revealing their personal details

A secure website page provides access to the community.
User names are anonymised – robot names represent the young people

Events

With their robot built and personalised, there is then the option for young people to race their robot either in person or remotely.

During these school-based events young people can:

Control their robots remotely
Control their robots in person
Take part in structured challenges such as maze navigation
Engage in shared sessions that encourage a sense of belonging to a club

In this way Robotics Link – our sister project within the RaceNode Network – provides an opportuinity for individual pupils to take part in school events.

Typical Journey

A participant will typically:

Be taught the new skills that they need for this project
Build and assemble their robot
Choose and apply a visual identity
Develop and display their Ready To Race Level
Join the wider network as a recognised “node”
Optionally take part in shared events and challenges

Who It Is For

RaceHub is designed to support:

Learners who benefit from hands-on, project-based learning experiences
Pupils at risk of disengagement
Hospital and Home Educated children who seek to connect with learners more widely through a shared context and common purpose
Settings where building confidence and identity is as important as technical skill

RaceHub is designed for learners who need a reason to engage, a way to express themselves, and a safe route into connection with others.

Technology Overview

Each Robot “node” typically includes:

Raspberry Pi (core system and communication)
Motorised robot base using the Mecanum MicroBit motor driver system
LED matrix for face and identity display
RGB system for colour identity and RTR indication
Camera module (used where appropriate for interaction)

Project Direction

Current development is focused on:

Establishing a pilot network of nodes
Refining the Ready To Race Level framework
Strengthening the identity and display systems
Ensuring the build and configuration process is accessible and repeatable

The long-term aim is to create a sustained, growing network where learners remain connected through their robots over time.

RaceHub Robotics shifts the focus of robotics education:

From short-term activity → to ongoing ownership
From abstract coding → to visible identity and progress
From isolated work → to shared community presence

It creates a space where learners can build something that is theirs, develop it over time, and be recognised for it within a wider network.