FREE RC / Autonomous Vehicles, Drones & Model Aircraft Engineering

First Step Innovate is a hands-on, project-based engineering programme delivered by First Step Robotics and supported by Young Start funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

First Step Innovate will run through to 2028, with activities organised into four-week programme blocks. Each block will provide opportunities for young people to explore engineering interests, research ideas and develop team projects.

Over the two-year programme, young people will have opportunities to explore the engineering behind remote-controlled (RC) cars, autonomous ground vehicles, racing drones and RC planes through projects involving mechanical engineering, electronics, robotics, coding, navigation and control systems.

Venue Details

Strathbrock Community Centre
189A West Main Street
Broxburn
EH52 5LH

Venue entrance: Entrance B

View map and directions

Every Friday
3:00pm – 4:30pm

Young People Lead the Way

This is not a traditional classroom-based course or toy-based play activity. Young people take the lead in their learning, research and project development, with mentors providing guidance, advice and technical support when needed.

Participants work collaboratively to investigate engineering challenges, research solutions, develop ideas, test designs and improve their projects. They will also be encouraged to carry out additional research and project development at home between sessions.

The programme aims to develop independence, problem-solving, teamwork, creativity and practical engineering skills through real-world challenges.

Project Areas

Explore four exciting areas of engineering, from high-performance RC cars to autonomous vehicles, racing drones and model aircraft.

1. RC Car Engineering

Discover the mechanics, electronics and programming behind remote-controlled cars. Explore motors, gearing, differentials, steering, suspension and traction, and investigate how these affect vehicle performance.

Potential project activities include:

• Understanding motors, gears, wheels and drivetrains.
• Investigating steering, suspension and vehicle handling.
• Designing and modifying chassis and mechanical components.
• Exploring motor controllers, batteries and electronic systems.
• Testing vehicle performance and developing improvements.
• Designing and building custom RC vehicles.

2. Autonomous Ground Vehicle Engineering

Explore how to design and build ground vehicles capable of carrying out tasks with limited or no direct human control. Investigate sensors, motors, microcontrollers and programming to develop vehicles that can detect obstacles, follow routes and respond to their surroundings.

Potential project areas include:

GPS waypoint navigation
Explore how vehicles can navigate between selected geographical coordinates.

Geo-fencing
Investigate virtual boundaries that define where a vehicle is permitted to operate.

Automated mission planning
Develop sequences of tasks and navigation instructions for autonomous vehicles.

Obstacle avoidance
Use sensors and programming to detect obstacles and respond appropriately.

Additional engineering challenges:

• Designing and building autonomous ground vehicle platforms.
• Programming microcontrollers and integrating sensors.
• Exploring GPS, navigation and control systems.
• Testing autonomous behaviours in controlled environments.
• Developing and evaluating solutions as a team.

3. Drone Racing & Flight Technology

Explore the technology behind racing drones, including flight principles, electronics, cameras and control systems. Investigate drone components, maintenance and safe operation, with potential activities involving flight simulators, practical flying experiences, assembly and design challenges.

Potential project activities include:

• Understanding drone frames, motors, propellers and flight controllers.
• Exploring electronics, batteries and power systems.
• Learning about flight stabilisation and control systems.
• Using simulators to practise drone racing and flight skills.
• Investigating FPV technology and camera systems.
• Participating in suitable supervised flying and engineering challenges.

4. RC Plane & Model Aircraft Engineering

Discover how remote-controlled aircraft fly and how their components work together. Explore aerodynamics, lift, thrust, control surfaces, motors and battery systems.

Potential project activities include:

• Exploring the principles of flight and aerodynamics.
• Understanding wings, propellers and aircraft control surfaces.
• Investigating motors, batteries and electronic speed controllers.
• Designing and assembling model aircraft.
• Using flight simulators to practise piloting skills.
• Participating in suitable supervised flying experiences.

Important: Registration and Selection

Registration does not guarantee a place. Places are limited and will be allocated through a selection process, with priority given to young people who face barriers to participation, including those:

• From low-income families or experiencing financial hardship.
• Living in areas of higher deprivation.
• Experiencing social isolation.
• From Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.

Our aim is to ensure that STEM opportunities are accessible to young people who may otherwise face barriers to participation.

Attendance and Commitment

Participants are expected to attend sessions regularly and contribute to their team's research and engineering projects.

If you are unable to attend, please notify us in advance. Repeated absences without prior notice may result in your place being offered to someone on the waiting list.

As this is a youth-led programme, participants should be prepared to take responsibility for their projects, work with other team members and undertake additional research between sessions.

Expectations of Parents and Carers

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting this youth-led initiative. Families will be asked to commit to supporting at least one First Step Robotics youth event during the programme, or alternatively volunteer to help with practical tasks such as setting up equipment, preparing the venue or tidying up after sessions.

This shared commitment helps create a supportive community around the young people, while allowing them to take ownership of their learning and engineering projects.

Supported by Young Start funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

First Step Innovate provides opportunities for young people to develop engineering skills, explore emerging technologies and work together on ambitious, practical projects.

Ready to Build, Code and Innovate?

Register your interest in First Step Innovate. Places are limited and applications will be considered through our selection process.