The Beep Boop Robot Game: An Ed Tech Day Activity That Builds Trust
National Education Technology Day is September 23, and we’re celebrating with the Beep Boop Robot Game. It’s a hands-on activity where one student becomes the robot and the other becomes the operator, using directions, trust, and a little patience to get across the room. Students think they’re just playing robots, but they’re really practicing listening and communication.
Step 1: Explain the robot’s functions
Start by demonstrating with a willing robot volunteer. Every robot has four buttons:
Left turn: a button on the left shoulder. Press it and the robot turns left.Right turn: a button on the right shoulder. Press it and the robot turns right.Go forward: a button in the middle of the back. Tap it once and the robot walks forward.Stop: a button on top of the head. Gently tap it once and the robot stops.
Step 2: Demonstrate the safety features
Every robot comes with a two-part safety system:
The robot always travels with “bumpers up,” hands raised in front.
The robot has an alarm that sounds whenever it gets close to an object or another robot. Have students practice it together: “Whoop, whoop, whoop, whoop, whoop!”
One more rule: robots only travel at walking pace.
Let the game begin
Pair students up. One starts as the robot, the other as the operator, and the operator guides their robot across the room using only the buttons. Remind students that these robots are very expensive and very fragile, so following the guidelines matters. After a few minutes, have partners switch so everyone gets a turn in both roles.
Close with reflection
Bring the class back together and ask:
Reflect: What was it like to trust someone else to direct you?
Connect: How can you practice better listening and following directions in your daily life?
Being the robot means trusting your partner. Being the operator means giving clear, careful directions. Both are skills students use every day, long after the game ends.
Find more activities like this on Kikori.
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