The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge is an UN-based educational robotics championship that every two years is inspired on a global challenge in relation to which robots offer practical solutions to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participants design, build and program a robot that completes a mission based on one of these goals. While learning robotics and coding, students gain more than just technical know-how, but also vital working-life and future skills, including but not limited to teamwork, problem-solving, project management, critical thinking, and information retrieval.
The competition fosters free-software and hardware robotics, allowing unrestricted assembly and programming of the robots. It aims to promote inclusivity, enabling learning in robotics and coding regardless of gender, socio-economic status, or academic ability. Additionally, it encourages the use of recycled materials and environmentally friendly solutions, emphasizing the development of sustainable robots.
Introduction: The Challenge Ahead
In March 2025, Bolder Learner Tech School (BLTS) will participate in the AI Robotics for Good Youth Challenge, Kenya, a national competition backed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s theme is disaster response, a critical area where technology can save lives and rebuild communities.
Our junior team, comprising students aged 11–15, is tasked with designing a creative, robotics-driven solution to assist rescue teams during disasters. Imagine a scenario like the recent fire at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)—where flames, smoke, and collapsing structures create chaos. How can robotics help in such a crisis? Our students are ready to answer that question.
The Scenario: A Localized Disaster Story
Picture this: A massive fire breaks out at a busy airport. Thousands of passengers are trapped, including VIPs and families. The flames spread rapidly, fueled by extreme heat and aging infrastructure. Rescue teams struggle to navigate the chaos, and every second counts.
This is where Team Aurora, our junior squad, steps in. Their mission? To deploy Simba, an AI-powered rescue robot, to locate survivors, deliver emergency supplies, and guide rescue teams through the safest paths.
Simba, originally designed for food robotics, has been repurposed for disaster response. Equipped with thermal imaging, AI-driven navigation, and a gentle gripper, Simba can:
- Detect heat signatures through smoke and debris.
- Deliver oxygen masks, first-aid kits, and water to trapped survivors.
- Map safe routes for rescue teams, avoiding collapsing structures.
This creative solution not only saves lives but also demonstrates how technology can adapt to solve real-world problems.
The Competition: What’s at Stake?
The AI Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2025 is more than just a competition—it’s a platform for young innovators to tackle global challenges. By focusing on disaster response, the challenge aligns with UN SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13: Climate Action.
Our BLTS team will compete against other teams to present their robotics solution. The judging criteria include:
- Innovation: How creative and effective is the solution?
- Impact: Can it save lives and reduce disaster risks?
- Feasibility: Is it practical and scalable for real-world use?
With Simba and their ingenuity, Team Aurora is ready to shine.
Why This Matters: AI and Robotics for a Better Future
The JKIA fire scenario is just one example of how disasters can strike unexpectedly. As climate change increases the frequency of wildfires, floods, and extreme weather events, the need for AI-powered solutions has never been greater.
This competition is a stepping stone for our students to:
- Develop problem-solving skills that address real-world challenges.
- Explore the potential of AI and robotics beyond traditional applications.
- Contribute to global efforts in disaster preparedness and response.
Join Us in Supporting Team Aurora
As Team Aurora prepares for the national selection on March 8, 2025, we invite the BLTS community to cheer them on. Follow their journey on our blog and social media channels, where we’ll share updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and their competition results.
Together, let’s prove that even the youngest minds can make a big impact. With creativity, technology, and teamwork, our students are building a safer, smarter future—one robot at a time.
Call to Action
- Read more about the AI Robotics for Good Youth Challenge here.
- Follow Team Aurora’s journey on our blog and social media.
- Support BLTS students (contact us) as they innovate for a better tomorrow.
