NXP Drone Challenge​

The East Coast NXP Drone Challenge is an exciting engineering competition for teams of four to six S3 pupils from schools in Edinburgh and the Lothians.​

Participants take on two main challenges:

  1. Programming a drone to autonomously navigate a mapped obstacle course​

  2. Manually flying the drone to locate and retrieve hidden Lego characters around the room

Teams will also present a short PowerPoint on their experience, highlighting the skills they've developed and the challenges they’ve overcome.

Throughout the day, pupils will have the chance to meet engineers and students from the University of Edinburgh and local companies to explore what a career in engineering might look like.

The top teams will progress to a national final, competing against schools from across the west of Scotland.​

All equipment, including drones, is provided, thanks to generous support from NXP.​

Secondary school pupils in uniform celebrating winning the NXP drone challenge with trophy with two girls holding the trophy aloft
East Coast NXP Drone Challenge winners!

Get ready for a day of coding, flying and friendly competition as you bring the skills you’ve developed at school to the University of Edinburgh.​

In the weeks leading up to the competition, you’ll work in your school teams to code drones to navigate a set course, take on free-flight challenges and prepare a presentation about your journey. You’ll then bring your drone and your team’s work to the University for the NXP Drone Challenge Scotland East competition day.

During the competition, you’ll have the opportunity to put your coding and flying skills to the test, tackle challenges and see how your team performs alongside other schools from across the region.​

You’ll also have the chance to share your experience and present your project, giving you an opportunity to explain your approach, celebrate your progress and showcase your teamwork.​

Overall, expect a day of teamwork, problem-solving and plenty of drone flying — with the chance to meet other teams, experience the University and put your engineering skills into action.​


If you're interested in taking part please contact Dr Katie Grant, katie.grant@ed.ac.uk​.


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