WEDOCOMPUTER CONTROLLED MACHINESCCM / 32

LEGO robotics + coding · Grade 3 · usually ages 8–11

WEDO / Computer Controlled Machines: Build a machine. Give it senses. Teach it what to do.

Across eight real-world robot missions, students turn LEGO Education WeDo mechanisms into responsive systems—then test, debug and improve every idea.

Build and code a robot with purpose Open the mission log

Inside the books + explore a robot in 3D ↓

English-led classes · parent communication in English + Traditional Chinese

Original LEGO Education 45300 SmartBot model with a Smart Hub, motor and infrared sensor — LEGO Education / 45300SmartBot · an actual CCM course model

Two students with their completed WeDo 2.0 SmartBot and open CCM workbook — Made by our students

System / 0108

robot missions

System / 0232

connected lessons

System / 0304

engineering stages

System / 0410

students maximum

Why CCM

The robot is the visible result. The thinking inside it is the real achievement.

Every mission begins with a character, a real-world setting and a problem worth solving. That purpose connects the physical build to the program: a sensor gathers information, the code makes a decision and the mechanism carries it out.

More than a build: every mechanism has a purpose, the code controls its behaviour, and every test teaches students how to improve.

A student records a WeDo 2.0 programming test beside a laptop, motor, tilt sensor and illuminated Smart Hub — Code, test, record: the thinking is visible.

01Mechanism: Understand how the machine transfers force and motion.
02Logic: Turn a goal into a sequence, condition, loop or variable.
03Evidence: Test one change at a time and explain what worked.

The CCM operating cycle

A familiar four-stage rhythm. A completely new system every time.

The repeatable structure gives students confidence while the mechanism, sensor and coding challenge keep changing.

01
Investigate
Meet the character, context and problem.
02
Build
Turn gears, beams, belts and sensors into a mechanism.
03
Code
Write the logic that controls its behaviour.
04
Test + improve
Observe, debug, refine and explain.

Built around real resources

The book explains it. The build proves it.

Our two CCM books connect each robot to a human problem, its mechanism and the code that controls it. Students have a place to predict, record and explain—not simply a picture to copy.

Original STEAM SQUAD CCM Book A cover with SmartBot, BusBot, SpeedBot and FlyBot — Book A · SmartBot to FlyBot

Original STEAM SQUAD CCM Book B cover with LiftBot, SpaceBot, SciBot and FootBot — Book B · LiftBot to FootBot

An actual SmartBot workbook page explaining start, speed, direction, stop and wait blocks — Look inside · the real SmartBot coding page ↗

BRICKSTEP / SMARTBOT

Inspect the robot before you build it.

Turn SmartBot around. Find its wheels, gears and claw. Follow the build step by step in our own 3D instruction viewer—the same kind of visual support children use as they become more independent builders.

STEAM SQUAD / BrickStepInteractive building instructions

Programme / 08 missions

Eight robots. Eight reasons to make the machine think.

Each mission is a four-lesson system: investigate the brief, construct the mechanism, code the behaviour, then test and improve the result.

Mission / 0101 / 08
SmartBot
45300 / SmartBot
Mission brief
Bob, an elderly inventor, needs a home helper that can move safely around people, furniture and everyday jobs.
Mechanism
Bevel gears · wheels · articulated arms · claw
Sensor / input
Infrared distance sensing
Code / logic
Motor sequences + collision avoidance
Four connected lessons4 × connected
1. 1Investigate how robots can help at home
2. 2Build a mobile helper with a working claw
3. 3Sense an obstacle, decide, then move
4. 4Tune safe movement and explain the system
Mission / 0202 / 08
BusBot
45300 / BusBot
Mission brief
A busy city needs public transport that can recognise a stop, wait for passengers and continue its route.
Mechanism
Bevel gears · idler gear · driven wheels
Sensor / input
Infrared stop detection
Code / logic
Conditions + a repeating route loop
Four connected lessons4 × connected
1. 1Explore congestion and smarter public transport
2. 2Build the drive system and give the bus ‘eyes’
3. 3Code stop, wait and continue decisions
4. 4Test a reliable route and improve the timing
Mission / 0303 / 08
SpeedBot
45300 / SpeedBot
Mission brief
Drag racer Hannah needs a computer-controlled start and a machine tuned for speed, grip and clean acceleration.
Mechanism
Gear choices · wheel drive · aerodynamic form
Sensor / input
Infrared start and finish gates
Code / logic
Variables + a sensor-triggered race counter
Four connected lessons4 × connected
1. 1Investigate acceleration and racing design
2. 2Build and compare different drive choices
3. 3Use a variable and a sensor to count through a race
4. 4Change one factor, retest and defend the fastest design
Mission / 0404 / 08
FlyBot
45300 / FlyBot
Mission brief
Rescue pilot Ryan needs a helicopter that can react to its orientation while one motor powers two essential rotors.
Mechanism
Split bevel drive · main rotor · tail rotor
Sensor / input
Tilt and orientation input
Code / logic
Sensor conditions + responsive motor speed
Four connected lessons4 × connected
1. 1Explore rotor lift, torque and rescue flight
2. 2Build one drive system for two rotors
3. 3Code a response to changing orientation
4. 4Run the rescue mission and add a useful improvement
Mission / 0505 / 08
LiftBot
45300 / LiftBot
Mission brief
Dockworker Kirk needs a reach stacker that can lift and place cargo efficiently without sacrificing control or safety.
Mechanism
Rack-and-pinion lift · bevel gears · lever
Sensor / input
Tilt control input
Code / logic
Continuous listen loop + lift / lower / stop
Four connected lessons4 × connected
1. 1Map how cargo moves through a working port
2. 2Build the reach stacker and lifting mechanism
3. 3Use tilt input to raise, lower and stop the boom
4. 4Test cargo handling and add a safety feature
Mission / 0606 / 08
SpaceBot
45300 / SpaceBot
Mission brief
The mission is to design a reusable spacecraft whose moving wings respond at the right moment in flight.
Mechanism
Four pulley belts · linked moving wings
Sensor / input
Flight-state or proximity input
Code / logic
Written algorithm + looped automation
Four connected lessons4 × connected
1. 1Investigate reusable spacecraft and mission needs
2. 2Build a belt system that moves four wings together
3. 3Translate a flight sequence into an algorithm
4. 4Automate, test and improve the complete sequence
Mission / 0707 / 08
SciBot
45300 / SciBot
Mission brief
Scientist Dyvee needs a stable robot that can carry hazardous materials through a marked route without putting people at risk.
Mechanism
Wide stable base · low load · one-motor steering
Sensor / input
Infrared contrast reading
Code / logic
If / then decisions + a continuous loop
Four connected lessons4 × connected
1. 1Explore robots used in dangerous environments
2. 2Build for balance, stability and controlled steering
3. 3Read a black line and decide which way to turn
4. 4Debug one variable at a time and explain the flowchart
Mission / 0808 / 08
FootBot
45300 / FootBot
Mission brief
Charlotte’s final challenge asks whether legs can take a robot where wheels struggle—over uneven ground and changing terrain.
Mechanism
Worm gear · paired gears · wide balanced feet
Sensor / input
Infrared trigger
Code / logic
Loop + variable + sound + light + messages
Four connected lessons4 × connected
1. 1Compare animal movement, wheels and walking robots
2. 2Build a slow, strong and balanced walking mechanism
3. 3Combine the course’s coding tools into one behaviour
4. 4Complete, review and present the final robot challenge

Inside one mission / SciBot

A black line becomes a live decision loop.

SciBot reads the contrast beneath its infrared sensor, compares that input with a condition and changes the motor direction. The loop checks again and again—so a simple line becomes a visible model of computational thinking.

01
Detect
Read light or dark
02
Decide
Apply if / then
03
Move
Change direction
04
Repeat
Check the line again

Debugging rule: change one variable, observe the result, then decide what to try next.

What they carry forward

Not just robots. A way to reason about systems.

By the final mission, students can connect a physical cause to a coded decision—and talk through how they know the system works.

01
Turn input → decision → output into working behaviour.
02
Explain how gears, belts, racks and levers transfer motion.
03
Use infrared and tilt sensing with conditions, loops and variables.
04
Debug both a physical build and the logic behind it.
05
Design for real constraints such as speed, stability, safety and reuse.
06
Collaborate and explain engineering decisions in an English-led class.

A student proudly holds a customised WeDo 2.0 SmartBot with its motion sensor and geared drive — A real robot. Their own decisions.

Is CCM the right next mission?

A strong fit for a child ready to connect building with code.

CCM is designed around Grade 3 readiness and is usually suitable for ages 8–11. Placement considers each child’s English, experience and confidence—age is a guide, not a gate.

They enjoy LEGO building, but now want the model to respond and behave.
They can persist when a mechanism or program needs another try.
They are curious about how sensors, machines and automation work.
They are ready to explain a choice, compare evidence and improve an idea.

Ready for mission one?

Let them build the machine—and understand the thinking inside it.

A friendly trial lets your child meet the classroom, the teacher and the CCM way of working before you decide.Build and code a robot with purpose

WEDO / Computer Controlled Machines: Build a machine. Give it senses. Teach it what to do.Build a machine.Give it senses.Teach it what to do.

The robot is the visible result. The thinking inside it is the real achievement.

Investigate

Build

Code

Test + improve

Inspect the robot before you build it.

A black line becomes a live decision loop.

Detect

Decide

Move

Repeat

A strong fit for a child ready to connect building with code.

Let them build the machine—and understand the thinking inside it.

WEDO / Computer Controlled Machines: Build a machine. Give it senses. Teach it what to do.