For the first time in Azerbaijan in April 2004 we introduced our innovative and technologically leading project in education. This is the Robotics Mission which introduced a complex approach to an education process that integrates the subjects of mathematics, foreign languages, science and design technology through the use of LEGO robots.

What is the Robotics Mission?
Students aged 11-16 from Lenkeran and Sumgayit schools, together with their peers from the UK, formed multinational teams to compete in a series of robotic missions throughout 2004-05. The children used LEGO MindStorms for Schools which is a classroom solution from the LEGO Educational Division that integrates robotics and programming. It is the ideal hands-on tool for helping students learn a variety of topics including maths and science, computer and design technology.

During the Robotics Mission the participants obtained higher levels of motivation for these subjects and also develop their capabilities for problem solving, thinking skills and teamwork. They also built international relationships and experimented with and improved skills in electronic communication within a project context.

How it works?
With the MindStorms for Schools LEGO introduced its "intelligent brick" - the RCX which is the programmable brick that transforms models into robots and controls their actions.

Taking direction from their trainers students set about solving problems. They construct a robot to perform specific duties using the RCX as the brain, then use the ROBOLAB software to write a program for the robot and download it to the RCX via infrared.

After being programmed the robots are fully autonomous, acting on their own. Robots take action, interacting with their environment and making decisions based on input from their surroundings, via sensors. Two RCX bricks can even communicate with one another using their infrared eyes. Students observe if their solution was successful, then they have the opportunity to modify or optimise their robot's capabilities.