ORC Robotics Club
Competition
Philosophy
Competitions are an essential part of ORC’s learning experience. We believe students should not just build robots to win, but to learn how to think, adapt, and communicate under pressure.
Our approach emphasizes:
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Experience first, results second —students are encouraged to try, fail, and improve.
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Independent thinking — teachers do not design or program for students; learners own their robot fully.
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Progressive challenge — each year brings more complex rules, strategy, and design skills.
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Global exposure — advanced teams have the chance to represent Canada at international competitions.
Competitions levels
Competition Pathway
Our competition pathway takes students from their first hands-on experiences as Builders to advanced engineering challenges as Innovators.
Through Zone01, WRO, and FTC, they grow step by step — building skills, confidence, and leadership on a clear path from beginner to expert.
Photo courtesy of Zone01 Robotics
First Experience – Zone01 Projects & Rookie Challenge
For students starting at the Builder level, this is the perfect first step into competition — fun, simple, and hands-on.
First Competition – Sumo or Equivalent Challenges
For students beginning at the Creator level, this is usually their first real competition. These challenges spark excitement, build confidence, and introduce the spirit of teamwork and problem-solving
Photo courtesy of Zone01 Robotics
Photo courtesy of Zone01 Robotics
Autonomous Builder – Zone01 Mission / WRO RoboMission
Students design and program fully autonomous robots to complete complex tasks.
This stage develops their strategic thinking, technical depth, and competition confidence.
Advanced Stage – High-Level Competition
At this level, students build and compete with advanced strategy, mature teamwork, and near professional-level skills in major kit-based competitions.
Photo courtesy of Zone01 Robotics
Photo courtesy of World Robot Olympiad
Leading the Future – Real Engineering & Innovation
Here, students step into real-world engineering. Whether it’s WRO Future Innovators, WRO Future Engineers, or FTC, they take ownership of their path — turning their vision into reality and preparing for university or future careers.
Competition Organizers
Zone01 Robotics is a not-for-profit organization and one of Canada’s oldest and largest youth robotics groups.
As the official Canadian National Organizer for WRO, Zone01 provides a clear pathway from beginner challenges to international competitions, inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Its mission is built on four core mandates dedicated to advancing educational robotics across Canada.
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Promote technology in education to help retain students;
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Support teachers in the integration of robotics by tailoring programs throughout the educational years;
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Facilitate and encourage interaction between educational robotics enthusiasts;
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Develop and support robotics competitions in Canada.
The World Robot Olympiad™ (WRO) is a global non-profit organization that promotes STEM education through robotics.WRO competitions offer students aged 8–19 (up to 22 for Future Engineers) the chance to develop creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork skills in four competition categories.With tournaments in over 95 countries, WRO connects young innovators around the world through hands-on learning and friendly competition.
FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global non-profit organization that inspires young people to become future innovators through robotics and engineering challenges.The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is designed for students ages 14+, offering a real-world engineering experience where teams design, build, and program advanced robots.FTC emphasizes creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership — preparing students for university studies and future STEM careers.