In December, a group of twenty girls created robots to help Santa's reindeer find their way home.

This was the second Robogals Day in Robotics at the University of Queensland—an all-day workshop for high school-aged girls to develop skills in building and programming robots. Some of the girls had attended the previous Day in Robotics in September, others had robotics experience through their school or other programs, and some were entirely new to robotics. Whichever their experience level, the girls all enjoyed themselves, and were able to build and program a robot with the help of our five Robogals volunteers: Jess, Erin, Marnie, Betsy, and Jack.

While waiting for all girls to arrive, early birds warmed up their brains with a collection of puzzles and brainteasers. Some of these were quite challenging, but they definitely got everyone's brain in gear! Throughout the day, pairs of girls each built, decorated and programmed their robots. Using LEGO NXT kits, everyone kept busy throughout the morning by relishing the challenge: build a robot that would be able to move, use appropriate sensors, and hold a pen! We didn't forget to take a short break with a traditional Robogals UQ morning tea—with cupcakes and juice! Overall the morning was quiet, with everyone busy concentrating on the challenge.

After lunch, amid the robot construction, there was a break for some of the Robogals volunteers to demonstrate robots they had created. The girls were particularly fascinated by Roger, Erin's humanoid robot with some impressive skills and tricks; they giggled while playing games with Marnie and Jack's chasing robot (which had been draped in tinsel for the occasion)!

After being interrupted briefly by a rainstorm—we had to make a quick run back to the lab, managing to keep the robots dry, and the girls mostly so—the girls' robots were personalised and decorated for Christmas with tinsel, feathers, pipe cleaners, and fabric scraps. The robots 'outfits', as an end result, were indeed very unique per individual. Everyone enjoyed watching all their new little, sparkly LEGO friends wander around the lab as the programming began.

The girls had been given a task for their robots to complete: guiding Santa's reindeer through a forest. Some robots were able to perform this task admirably; while others found different skills along the way, something that their programmers chose to explore instead. Each robot ended up with a different set of abilities—some could navigate the forest, some could move or perform tricks on command, and one could draw a star on a whiteboard!

The programming was definitely a challenge for some, but everyone persevered impressively and was able to present their robot's abilities at the end of the day! The girls and the volunteers all had a great time, and we hope that the girls will continue to think of robotics as a fun and exciting endeavour!