AI Coding &
Crafting Challenge
Build working robotic solutions that solve real-world problems.
From basic coding and creative robotics to sensor-based automation and AI-powered innovation — a progressive robotics competition where students learn, build and innovate at their own level.
Three Progressive Competition Levels
Co-organizer of Coding & Crafting within the ANGC competition. Tap the logo for more information.
What is Coding & Crafting?
A progressive robotics competition where creativity meets coding, engineering and innovation.
Explore how participants transform coding, engineering, robotics and creative ideas into real-world innovations through the Coding & Crafting Challenge.
Code. Create. Build. Showcase.
From robotics fundamentals to live international competition — every step is designed to develop real engineering and creative problem-solving skills at a level suited to each student.
The Coding & Crafting Challenge is an international robotics competition that guides students through a progressive learning journey — from basic coding and creative robotics to sensor-based automation and AI-powered innovation.
Students participate in teams of 2–4. Each level is designed around a clear learning framework, so beginners start with block coding and simple movement while advanced students integrate sensors, automation and AI. The competition emphasises computational thinking, engineering design, teamwork and innovation, and encourages projects that create positive social impact aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Throughout the programme, students receive learning resources, mentorship and opportunities to improve their technical and presentation skills before demonstrating their projects to an international panel of judges.
Outstanding entries from the online qualification round will have the opportunity to qualify for the Offline International Grand Final at KLESF, where they can showcase their projects, connect with global participants, receive expert feedback and compete for international awards.
⚠️ Note: Participants are NOT required to purchase any specific hardware. Any compatible robotics platform suitable for the student's level may be used — Juno is recommended but not mandatory.
Competition Levels
Three progressive levels designed around how students actually learn robotics — from giving commands, to sensing the world, to building intelligent systems.
Primary School
Students learn the fundamentals of coding and robotics through simple commands and creative robot missions.
Students Learn
Focus
Middle School
Students progress from simple commands to robots that can sense their environment and respond to changing conditions.
Students Learn
Focus
High School
Students combine coding, sensors, automation and AI to develop more sophisticated robotic solutions.
Students Learn
Focus
Competition Journey
A progressive journey from learning the basics to showcasing on the international stage.
What Can You Build?
Project ideas are organised by competition level, so each student can see what a typical entry looks like at their stage of the learning journey. Any compatible hardware platform is welcome.
Technology & Robotics Skills
The skills students develop scale with their level — from block coding and basic movement at Primary, to sensors and automation at Middle, to AI and intelligent systems at High School.
Coding & Control
Sensors & Automation
AI & Intelligent Systems
Flexible Hardware
Participants may use Juno or other compatible robotics platforms suitable for their level. Juno hardware is recommended but not mandatory — the focus is on the learning journey, not a specific device.
Competition Stages
A two-phase structure: online qualification first, then a live international Grand Final for the top-ranked entries.
Online Qualification
Submission requirements vary by competition level — see below.
Grand Final @ KLESF
Finalists demonstrate working robots before an international panel of judges.
Submission Requirements
Requirements are tailored to each level — Primary entries stay simple and creative, while High School entries include full technical documentation. All requirements apply to each team entry.
Judging Criteria
Fair & Consistent Judging
All teams are evaluated using the same judging criteria and scoring standards within each competition level, so every entry is assessed fairly regardless of school or background.
Stage 1 — Online Qualification
Poster, Video & Presentation
Stage 2 — Grand Final
Live Demonstration & Pitch
The same judging criteria and scoring standards apply to all teams within each stage.
Awards & Recognition
Awards are determined through a two-phase evaluation and ranking process, recognising outstanding teams at each competition level.
Qualification
All entries are first ranked according to their final evaluation score.
Final Selection
Final recipient teams are selected based on final evaluation scores and rankings within each competition level.
Prize Allocation
Prize slots are allocated based on the overall competition quota. Final recipient teams are determined by ranking within each competition level.
Team Winners
Each winning team receives:
- 1 Team Trophy
- 1 Medal for each team member
- International recognition certificate
Special Awards
Don't have a team for Coding & Crafting?
Find teammates across ASEAN and beyond — search by competition, skills, experience, country, and collaboration preference. International teammates can collaborate online.
KLESF Malaysia 2026
Finalists showcase their robotic innovations at the Kuala Lumpur Engineering Science Fair (KLESF). Present, pitch and network with industry leaders from across the world.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes grow with each level — building from foundational coding logic to designing and defending intelligent robotic systems.
- Understand basic coding logic
- Control robot movement
- Build creative robotic missions
- Explain simple programming decisions
- Use sensors to detect environments
- Apply decision-making logic
- Solve robotics challenges
- Test and improve robot behaviour
- Design intelligent robotic systems
- Integrate AI and computer vision
- Debug and optimise systems
- Defend technical decisions
- Present innovative solutions
Participation Package
Online Competition — open to teams of 2–4 students across ASEAN and beyond.
Registration Includes
Competition Rules
Team Participation
Students participate in teams of 2–4 members. Each student may join only one team entry. Don't have a team yet? Use our Team Matching board to find teammates.
Eligibility
Ages 9–17. Each student may join only one team. Cross-school teams are allowed where permitted by local organisers.
Mentor Support
A teacher or mentor is recommended but not required. Mentors may guide learning but must not build or repair the project during judging.
Originality
Projects must be original. External libraries and frameworks are allowed with attribution. Complete copied projects are prohibited.
Hardware
Any compatible robotics platform suitable for the student's level is accepted — Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, MakeCode-based kits, Lego, Juno or equivalent. Juno is recommended but not required.
Technology by Level
Primary: MakeCode / block coding. Middle: sensors & basic automation. High: Python, computer vision and AI integration. Advanced tooling is not required at Primary or Middle level.
Competition Conduct
Only registered participants may build or repair the project during competition. Outside assistance is prohibited during judging. Respect fair play and safety rules at all times.
Judging & Awards
All teams are judged using the same criteria and scoring standards within each competition level. Awards are allocated to the top-ranked teams.