Make the things that make life better with a career in manufacturing technology.

Bots IQ is a national middle school, high school, and college academic program in which students acquire and manipulate the mathematical, scientific knowledge and technical skills necessary to gain advantage over opposing robots. This unique curriculum fuses mathematics, physics and engineering into tangible and relevant lesson plans.

By providing an interactive, hands-on learning environment, Bots IQ seeks to develop the manufacturing scientists and engineers of the future.

The Bots IQ curriculum has been launched in high schools across the country, including several in the Midwest. The curriculum focuses on skills such as:

• Computer Aided Design (CAD)

• Material Processes and Fabrication

• Corporate Communications

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Equipment Management

• Electrical and Mechanical Engineering

• Project Management and Budgeting

• Marketing and Branding

• Principles of Safety and Proper Procedures

Upon completion of the curriculum, students may enter their robots into a Bots IQ tournament and/or a Midwest Robotics League tournament. These tournaments are an opportunity for students to apply their skills and test their robots in a spirited environment.

Click here to preview the curriculum.

Frequently asked questions about Bots IQ

1. What is the cost of this program?
The curriculum itself is free, however, the costs involved with building a competitive robot range from $1,500.00 to $3,000.00. Most schools have asked for assistance in obtaining industry support, however, to cover the majority of costs.

2. What is the time commitment involved?
Time commitments vary greatly, depending on how many students and staff members are involved with the project. If one teacher is assigned to the project, he or she can expect to spend between 5-10 hours per week on the project. 

3. What type of equipment will I need?
You will need access to machining equipment, welding equipment, metal forming equipment, soldering equipment and computers for robot design. Pneumatics test kits may also be needed for some of the lessons. In addition, an IFI robot controller is needed to program and run the robot. 

4. Our school lacks the funds and equipment necessary to implement this curriculum. Can I get support from local businesses?
Yes! Manufacturing companies across Minnesota have said they want to help support this curriculum because it embraces skills used in many different manufacturing careers. Several schools in Minnesota have already tapped into this network of manufacturing companies, and have received thousands of dollars in financial assistance as well as access to company equipment. In addition, schools have benefited by asking companies to provide mentors and technical assistance to student teams. With over 7,000 manufacturing companies in Minnesota, you shouldn't have any trouble gaining support from a cluster of manufacturing companies in your area. Have your students put together a power point presentation of why they want to build a robot, what they hope to learn, and how companies can offer their support. Then have your students go out to a few companies and present their need! You'll be surprised how much more companies are influenced to give when approached by students rather than staff or administration!

If you're wondering which companies have offered to support schools implementing this curriculum, or which companies are in your area, we'll point you in the right direction and help in whatever way we can.  "Make It!" has partnered with the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association to serve as a resource FOR YOU and link your school with nearby companies.

5. What are some examples of ways this curriculum is being implemented by math, science and tech ed teachers in Minnesota?
Math teachers can use the curriculum to enhance their lessons by doing experiments to solve algebra, geometry and trigonometry problems involving measurement and tolerances. Science teachers can do experiments in lifting objects testing a motors torque or designing devises to gain a mechanical advantage to move an object. There are tons of thing that can be done with physics as well. Tech ed teachers can use the curriculum to teach welding, machining and metal forming as well as motor drive systems and mechanical systems. All of the above groups can do electronic experiments. Many schools have math, science and tech ed teachers all working on the same team. 

6. I've never built a robot before with my class. Would me and my students be up for this challenge?
Any teacher that is willing to teach and learn a group of excited students will be successful at building a robot. As long as you and your students have passion, you will overcome any uncertainties you have about technical skills and funding. Tteacher training sessions are held in Minnesota to equip teachers with the skills necessary to implement the curriculum. And many manufacturing companies and trade organizations are serving as resources to help you in whatever ways they can. 

7. I'd like more information about bringing BattleBots IQ to my school. Who should I contact for more information?
Contact Deb Holmes at deb@midwestroboticsleague.org