Bay Area · Robotics + AI Studio for Young Engineers

Build. Code. Create.

A hands-on robotics and AI studio in the Bay Area. Small groups, learning-science-driven curriculum, and real engineering skills—built by researchers and parents who care.

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Our Team

Experienced builders in AI & robotics.

We're a team of AI and robotics researchers, engineers, and designers—and parents with kids of our own—bringing over a decade of experience from leading universities and top tech companies. We turn cutting-edge technology into playful, engaging, skill-building experiences we'd want for our own children.

PhD in Robotics Research

Advanced degrees in robotics and AI from Carnegie Mellon University, Stanford University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Tech Industry Veterans

AI researchers from NVIDIA, Google, Tesla, Apple, and Carnegie Mellon University with years of cutting-edge experience.

AI & UX Design Experts

Human-centered design for AI products and educational experiences that kids actually love.

Published Research

Machine learning and robotics research at top-tier conferences.

Parent-Led

We're not just instructors—we're parents building what we'd want for our own kids. Every decision is personal.

Research-Informed

Our curriculum draws from learning science research, not just robotics trends. We apply what actually works.

Safety & Supervision

Small groups with 1:4 ratios. Clear protocols for tools and equipment. Your child's safety is non-negotiable.

Our Story

Building What We Wished We Had

We've known each other for nearly ten years—through grad school, research labs, and tech companies. We've built AI systems used by millions, published at top conferences, and shipped products at NVIDIA, Google, and Apple.

But when we became parents, we asked: What if we could create the learning experience we wished for as kids?

This isn't another coding school. It's what happens when researchers who actually build things decide to teach kids how to do the same.

Learning Approach

How kids actually learn engineering.

Our curriculum is grounded in learning science—not just robotics trends. Every session is designed around how kids build understanding, not just what they build.

Constructivism

Kids learn by doing—building, testing, breaking, and rebuilding. Understanding emerges from hands-on experience, not from watching or listening.

Inquiry Cycle

Every project follows: Predict, Build, Test, Analyze, Improve. This loop teaches kids to think like engineers, not just follow instructions.

Scaffolding

We start with worked examples, move to guided practice, then independent challenges. Support fades as competence grows.

Formative Assessment

Quick checks, exit tickets, and our homework system let us catch misconceptions early—before they become habits.

Desirable Difficulties

Challenges are calibrated to stretch—not frustrate. Productive struggle builds persistence and deeper learning.

Fast Feedback Loops

The robot tells kids immediately if their code works. Coaches and peers add reflection. Learning happens in real-time.

How We Track Progress

Homework System

Short weekly assignments reinforce concepts: a design sketch, or a concept check quiz. Takes 10–15 min, helps retention.

Skill Milestones

We track concrete skills—not vague "participation." Can they explain gear ratios? Debug a sensor? Write a loop? You'll know.

Parent Meetings

Regular 1:1 meetings with parents to discuss what your child built, skills demonstrated, and specific next steps. No generic "doing great" reports.

Engineer Identity

Showcases and presentations help kids see themselves as engineers. They explain their work, not just show it.

Our Programs

Robotics for every young engineer.

From first-time builders to aspiring competitors, our grade-banded programs meet kids where they are. Small groups, hands-on projects, and real engineering skills that transfer beyond any single platform.

I

Intro

Ages 6–7
1:4 ratio 60 min each

What Kids Build

  • Simple wheeled robots with basic steering
  • Button-programmed movement sequences
  • Obstacle courses and story-based missions

Skills They Learn

  • Sequencing and step-by-step thinking
  • Following and debugging instructions
  • Cause-and-effect reasoning
  • Basic spatial awareness
II

Intermediate

Ages 7–8
1:4 ratio 60 min each

What Kids Build

  • Robots with sensors (touch, distance)
  • Block-based programs with loops
  • Custom mechanisms (claws, pushers)

Skills They Learn

  • Basic sensor logic (if-then)
  • Iteration and loops
  • Mechanical problem-solving
  • Testing and revising designs
III

Advanced

Ages 8–12
1:4 ratio 90 min each

What Kids Build

  • Multi-motor robots with gear trains
  • Autonomous routines with multiple sensors
  • Custom attachments for specific tasks
  • Documentation of design decisions

Skills They Learn

  • Gear ratios and mechanical advantage
  • Sensor fusion and autonomous logic
  • Systematic debugging
  • Explaining design trade-offs

Competition Team

Structured competition team.

This is not a drop-in class—it's a team. Students commit to a full competition season, building skills through consistent practice, iteration, and real tournament experience.

Weekly Rhythm

Regular weekly training (1.5 hrs). Extra practice week-of tournaments (1 hr/day).

What We Expect

Attendance commitment through the season. Engineering notebook entries. Team roles: builder, programmer, driver. Sportsmanship and collaboration.

Tournament Schedule

At least one local tournament per month. Tournaments usually on Saturdays. Regional championship push in Feb.

Onboarding

Tryout or assessment session. Parent orientation meeting. Commitment agreement.

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Outcomes

What your child will be able to do.

Our learning goals focus on real, demonstrable skills—not just "exposure to STEM."

Robotic Mechanisms

Power transmission, drivetrain design, and motor control fundamentals.

Autonomous Programming

Write routines using sensors—not just button-mashing.

Design Reasoning

Explain decisions with evidence ("I chose this because…").

Systematic Debugging

Isolate the problem, test hypotheses, fix it.

Team Collaboration

Work with defined roles: builder, programmer, tester, driver.

Competition Readiness

Strategy, driver practice, and engineering notebook discipline.

FAQ

Common questions.

Perfect—most kids start with us at zero experience. Our Intro and Intermediate programs welcome complete beginners. We use screen-free, hands-on approaches that build confidence before introducing programming concepts.

We start with grade level as a baseline, then adjust based on a short conversation and (for older kids) a quick skills assessment. If a child has prior experience, we'll place them where they'll be appropriately challenged—not bored or overwhelmed.

The competition team is a season-long commitment (roughly Aug–Feb). Expect weekly training, extra practice before tournaments, and Saturday tournament days. We require a parent orientation, commitment agreement, and consistent attendance. It's rewarding, but it's real work.

Small groups (1:4 ratio) let us adapt in real-time. Fast learners get extension challenges; kids who need more time get it. We use formative assessment to catch gaps early, not at the end of a unit.

Short weekly assignments (10–15 min): a concept check, a design sketch, or open-ended questions. The goal is retention and reflection—not busywork. Parents receive progress updates showing what their child completed and what they're working on next.

We maintain a strict 1:4 coach-to-student ratio. Classes are capped at small groups to ensure every child gets hands-on time, personalized feedback, and real attention—not crowd management.

Tournaments are typically full-day Saturday events. Parents drop off and can stay to watch (and cheer!). Kids manage their robot, compete in matches, and learn to handle wins and losses with grace. We handle logistics and supervision; you handle snacks and moral support.

If 2 or more students can't attend a class, we skip that session and reschedule. If only one student misses class, they should arrive early to the next session to catch up with the rest of the group. Contact us for specific situations.

Classes are held in the Bay Area. Contact us for the current location and schedule—we're happy to share details and answer any questions about the space.

Register

Join Genboo Robotics.

Fill out the form below to register or join our waitlist. We'll be in touch within 24 hours.

Contact us for current schedule and pricing: hello@genboo.com

Register Now →