FTC • FLL • JAVA • STEM

Learn Java.
Build Robots.
Solve Problems.

The Apricot Robotics Coding Lab is a hands-on coding space for young engineers learning programming through robotics.

25 BIOBUZZ challenges

10 Java fundamentals

10 FTC lessons

ApricotBot.java

public class ApricotBot {
  public static void main(String[] args) {

    Robot robot =
        new Robot();

    robot.drive(24);
    robot.collectPollen();
    robot.score();

    System.out.println(
      "Ready for BIOBUZZ!"
    );
  }
}

● READY TO CODE

LEARN

Build your coding foundation.

Short lessons designed to take students from their first Java program to robotics algorithms.

Java Basics

Variables, data types, input, conditions, loops, arrays and methods.

Open playground → 02

FTC Programming

Connect Java concepts to motors, servos, encoders, sensors and autonomous.

Explore FTC → 03

BIOBUZZ Challenges

Practice algorithms using robotics-inspired problems and increasing difficulty.

View challenges →

JAVA PLAYGROUND

Code. Run. Learn.

Practice Java without leaving the Apricot Robotics Coding Lab.

JAVA Try changing the message, then press Run.

FTC PROGRAMMING

From Java to robots.

Learn the concepts that turn code into robot behavior. Always check the current official FIRST manual and Team Updates for game-specific rules.

Java → FTC

How Java classes and methods fit into an FTC project.

Motors

Power, direction, run modes and motor control.

Servos

Use positions to control mechanisms.

Encoders

Measure motion and create repeatable movements.

Sensors

Read distance, color and other robot inputs.

Gamepads

Map driver controls to robot actions.

TeleOp

Build a clean driver-controlled loop.

Autonomous

Plan deterministic sequences and decisions.

State Machines

Organize complex robot behavior into states.

Algorithms

Use data, geometry and logic to make decisions.

BIOBUZZ 2026–27

25 coding challenges.

Educational simulations inspired by robotics. Challenge assumptions are learning exercises—not official FIRST scoring or rules.

PROJECTS

Build beyond the lessons.

Turn concepts into small robotics experiments.

JAVA

Robot Telemetry Simulator

Print simulated motor, heading and sensor values.

ALGORITHM

Autonomous Planner

Choose the next task based on time and robot state.

GEOMETRY

Field Navigator

Calculate distance and heading between two points.

Learn Java. Build Robots. Solve Problems.