STEM Engineer the response to
The Highway Collapse
Every year, RCC presents a new real-world problem. Students research the issue, design a response and build a solution using STEM thinking, coding, robotics and AI—then test and explain how it works.
Every Australian student can take on this challenge—no prior AI, coding or robotics experience is required. Beginner-friendly guided learning helps students understand AI, create and train a Google Teachable Machine model, connect it to their own code or robot, and use it to solve a meaningful challenge.
Students apply coding, robotics and AI to rescue, logistics, safety and recovery.
School entry $20/student · Individual $30 · GST included
From the problem to a solution students can explain
Every pathway follows the same practical engineering process.
- 01ResearchUnderstand the emergency and community needs.
- 02DesignPlan a purposeful coding or robotics response.
- 03Code or buildCreate the game, AI system or working robot.
- 04TestFind problems, improve reliability and try again.
- 05ExplainDemonstrate the result and justify key decisions.
More than a themed challenge
The Highway Collapse turns a real transport emergency into applied STEM and engineering problem-solving.
A critical route has failed
- A major geotechnical failure has closed the route.
- Travel, freight and access to communities are disrupted.
- Rescue teams need safer logistics, navigation and communication.
Become a rapid-response innovator
Investigate the problem and create a coding, AI or robotics response for rescue, supply delivery, hazard detection, navigation or recovery.
Read the full missionEvery year adds to the RCC community
The full height shows cumulative participation. The highlighted top section shows the participants added in that year.
Reporting basis: 2023–2025 use imported historical participant records. The 2026 participant count follows the 484 paid student places shown in the live Dashboard, including places whose student names may be assigned by their school later.
One mission. Multiple ways to participate.
Start with the equipment and confidence level your students already have.
Coding challenge
ScratchJr, creative block coding and AI pose-controlled rescue games.
- K–Year 12
- No robot kit required
- Closes 20 October
Robotics challenge
Build and explain a working rescue robot using the official kit or an approved open platform.
- Individual and team options
- 6-minute combined video
- Closes 25 September
STEM Challenge
Recognition for students who diligently complete substantial learning across their year-level courses.
- Mathematics, Coding courses and Logic Mission Challenge
- Typing practice for English and coding syntax
- No submission · automatically scored
Create, explain and be recognised
Students are given a meaningful reason to apply their technical and communication skills.
Be the creator
Build an original game, AI experience or working robot instead of only using technology.
Solve a real problem
Connect code and engineering decisions to safety, access and community needs.
Represent your school
Share a project created individually or with an eligible same-school team.
Earn recognition
Every named registered student can receive a participation certificate; award recipients receive medals and trophies.
Purchase places now. Add students when your class is ready.
Schools do not need every student name before registering. One coordinator can purchase places, add students gradually or by CSV, create teams and submit projects.
- 1Register and pay
School groups start at two students, with no maximum. Existing schools may add one or more places. Tax invoice and card/invoice options are supported.
- 2Add students
Use the RCC Dashboard or CSV upload. eLearning accounts are created automatically.
- 3Learn and build
Complete guided learning, choose pathways and form teams of 2–5 where eligible.
- 4Submit in RCC
Upload the required video and project file directly. No participant YouTube or GitHub links.
Designed for classroom STEM learning
RCC connects Technologies, Science, Mathematics, HASS/Geography, Health and Physical Education and General Capabilities through a practical project cycle.
Guided eLearning and project structures are included.
Purchase first, then add students gradually or by CSV.
Coding pathways require no robot kit; robotics supports official and open platforms.
Students research, design, code or build, test and explain.
A message from Dr. Riza Yosia Sunindijo
RCC helps students build confidence through STEM, robotics and coding opportunities, with a focus on widening access for girls and students in regional and underserved communities.
Registered students receive guided learning support to help them move from first ideas to meaningful games, AI and robotics solutions.
New mission, growing community
RCC builds on the creativity and achievement of students who participated in earlier years.
Zombie Apocalypse
Students designed survival systems, community defences and rescue missions.
Natural Disasters
Projects explored warning systems, rescue vehicles and resilient designs.
The Highway Collapse
Students respond to rescue, logistics, safety and recovery challenges.
Find the right entry before you register
| Pathway | Best for | Equipment | Entry | Submit | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coding AJunior explorers | K–Year 2 | ScratchJr device | Individual or same-school team of 2–5 | Presentation video only · max 5 min | 20 Oct 2026 |
| Coding BCreative coding | Year 3–12 | MRT AI Studio | Individual or same-school team of 2–5 | Video + SB3 · max 5 min | 20 Oct 2026 |
| Coding CAI pose rescue | Upper Primary–Y12 | MRT AI Studio + webcam | Individual or same-school team of 2–5 | Video + SB3 + model URL | 20 Oct 2026 |
| Robotics AAI motion individual | Upper Primary–Y12 | Official AI Mission Robot Kit | Individual | Combined video + SB3/ZIP · max 6 min | 25 Sep 2026 |
| Robotics BAI motion team | Upper Primary–Y12 | Official AI Mission Robot Kit | Same-school team of 2–5 | Combined video + SB3/ZIP · max 6 min | 25 Sep 2026 |
| Robotics COpen robotics | Upper Primary–Y12 recommendedYounger primary students may enter if ready for the challenge | School-approved robot | Individual or same-school team of 2–5 | Combined video + SB3/ZIP · max 6 min | 25 Sep 2026 |
| STEM ChallengeLearning progress award | All registered students | Computer or tablet | Individual progress | No submission · automatically scored | 25 September 2026 |
Continue from your RCC Dashboard
Add students, open eLearning, create teams and prepare project submissions.
Give students a real mission, not another worksheet.
Guided learning, flexible school registration and national recognition in one program.
Supported by the UNSW Built Environment Women in Construction Project and the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Office for Women. eLearning is delivered through MRT Robotics.
