Robotics kit
Each team needs access to one robotics kit for 2–3 students. The same kit can be reused for several years and developed further between seasons.
Equipment
This page gives teams, coaches, and schools an overview of the equipment needed to practise for WRO®, take part in RoboMission or Future Innovators, and choose a suitable robotics platform.
Basic equipment
WRO® is technologically flexible. Teams may use different robotics systems, programming languages, and building materials, as long as their equipment follows the rules of the chosen competition category.
Each team needs access to one robotics kit for 2–3 students. The same kit can be reused for several years and developed further between seasons.
Teams need a device for programming the robot, whether they use Python, a block-based visual language, or another environment supported by their robotics platform.
Teams need space and time to test, measure, improve, and practise their solutions. RoboMission teams especially need to plan for a table and practice field.
By category
Some equipment is needed in all categories, but RoboMission and Future Innovators have different practical needs for practice, testing, and presentation.
In RoboMission, teams generally bring their robot and a laptop or tablet. Tables, game fields, and game elements are part of the practice and tournament setup and are not necessarily material that every team brings to the tournament.
Reusable and seasonal
It is useful to separate long-term reusable equipment from seasonal material that changes with the annual theme and missions.
Robotics kits
WRO® is not tied to one brand. Schools can often start with equipment they already own, but should always compare the equipment with the latest rules for the relevant competition category.
LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime and older LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education EV3 equipment are common in many schools. They can be a strong starting point, especially where teachers and students already know LEGO® Technic™, sensors, and motors.
MATRIX Robotics is based on an Arduino® controller and includes metal construction elements, motors, and sensors. The platform can be used for both RoboMission and Future Innovators.
ELECFREAKS uses the micro:bit® controller and offers motors, sensors, and construction elements that can also be combined with other systems.
fischertechnik® is based on its own construction system and the TXT 4.0 controller. Several kits are suitable for RoboMission and general robotics education.
Teams may also use equipment from other vendors, combine different systems, or use their own construction materials, as long as the equipment is allowed under the rules of the category. This is especially useful in Future Innovators, where teams may use paper, wood, metal, 3D-printed parts, and other materials for prototypes.
Recommendations
The best equipment is not always the most expensive option. It should fit the coaches’ experience, the students’ age, the competition category, and the time available for practice.
If your school already owns LEGO® SPIKE™ Prime, EV3, micro:bit®, or other robotics equipment, it often makes sense to start there and build experience.
RoboMission requires precise movement, sensors, and repeated testing. Future Innovators requires more flexibility, prototyping, and presentation work.
Choose a platform with good access to guides, exercises, examples, and support for both students and coaches.
Contact us if you want to discuss what equipment fits your school, what equipment orders may be available, or how to get started.