FAQ for Parents 

1. What is Xai Robotics, and why is it the right fit for my teen?

Xai Robotics is where your teen or preteen learns to build the future. Our hands-on robotics program gives teens and preteens real-world experience in creating robots, coding, and designing tech from the ground up. Imagine your kid building their own custom robots, creating 3D-printed parts, and writing the code that brings them to life. Every project brings them one step closer to mastering the skills that power today’s tech giants like Google, Tesla, and Apple .

2. What makes Xai Robotics different from other STEM programs?

Here at Xai Robotics, we don’t just hand your teen a kit and say, “follow the instructions.” We teach them how to innovate. Each student learns by doing—building robots from the ground up, programming them to think, and using tools that real engineers use in the field. Our program was developed by experts from Google and Meta, ensuring your teen gets the best, industry-level experience .

Your teen won’t just read about technology—they’ll create it.

3. How does the program help my teen grow?

At Xai Robotics, every participant is an engineer from day one. Whether they’re beginners or already have experience, they’ll build everything themselves, piece by piece, as the complexity increases. Our program doesn’t just teach skills—it helps students create portfolio-worthy projects and gain experiences that admissions officers at top universities look for:

• Level 1 (Creator): Right from the start, students are building robots from the ground up. They learn core skills like mechanical design, 3D modeling, and basic programming. For example, they might start by replicating a prototype wheel using CAD, measuring, designing, and building it themselves. When it doesn’t fit the motor, they re-measure and fix it, just like real engineers do. They also start working on basic coding and electronics to control simple robot movements.

• Level 2 (Innovator): As they advance, students take on more complex builds, adding layers of customization to their robots. They learn to program apps for mobile robots, integrate sensors, and tackle intermediate engineering challenges. Here, they’re applying their foundational skills to make robots that can perform specific tasks, like navigating environments or responding to external inputs. Again, everything is built from the ground up—they design the parts, write the code, and troubleshoot when things don’t work.

• Level 3 (Designer): At this stage, students are designing advanced systems, combining complex mechanical design with more sophisticated programming and electronics. They build robots that can perform more intricate, multi-step tasks. For instance, they might create a robot that needs a mobile app to operate or one that uses multiple sensors to make real-time decisions. They create, test, and iterate on their designs, learning advanced problem-solving techniques.

• Level 4 (Engineer): By now, students are designing fully autonomous systems, integrating AI, machine learning, and complex electronics into their robots. They’re tackling real-world challenges, like building robots that solve specific problems in industries such as automation or transportation. At this level, they’re working on cutting-edge projects that require them to think like professional engineers—combining all the skills they’ve learned to create innovative solutions.

At every level, your teen or preteen is building everything their robot needs, from the wheels to the code that runs it. It’s all about learning through doing, facing challenges, and solving problems just like engineers do in the real world .

4. Is my teen going to be behind if we join late?

No worries! You can join anytime. Our program is built to be flexible, so whether your teen joins mid-project or mid-month, they’ll be able to jump in and get started right away. We also offer catch-up sessions to ensure no one falls behind . And periodically, we start fresh with new, exciting robot projects.

5. What does my membership include?

Your membership isn’t just about attending classes—it’s about giving your teen access to everything they need to excel and build a college-ready portfolio of projects. Here’s what they get:

• Full access to robotics classes and expert instruction.
• Use of professional-grade tools, materials, and technology.
• Time in our state-of-the-art workshop to tinker, explore, and build impressive projects.
• Guidance from Silicon Valley mentors who’ve worked at the world’s top tech companies, helping students gain the skills and confidence that stand out on college applications.

6. What happens if we miss a session or go on vacation?

Life happens, and we get that. For all membership tiers, we offer makeup classes for any missed sessions due to emergencies or illness. Families can schedule makeups as needed to stay on track. However, makeups are limited to classes only; other benefits, such as office hours or additional Optimus visits, are not eligible for makeup or rollover.

7. What makes Xai Robotics the best choice for future tech leaders?

Xai Robotics is designed to give your teen or preteen a head start in the real world of tech. Here’s what they’ll gain:

• Mechanical Engineering Skills: Understanding how robots move and work.

• Electrical Engineering Know-How: Learning the ins and outs of circuits and wiring.

• Programming Mastery: Coding the brains behind the robots, using industry-standard languages.

• AI and Machine Learning: Integrating advanced technologies that are reshaping industries .

This isn’t just about building robots; it’s about building the qualities top colleges seek: problem-solving, leadership, and innovation.

8. How will Xai Robotics prepare my teen for the future?

By the time your teen completes our program, they’ll have built a solid foundation in STEM disciplines and a portfolio of real-world projects that admissions officers at top-tier universities value. These aren’t just hobbies—they’re the same advanced skills that are in high demand in today’s tech careers. Whether your teen wants to become an engineer, a programmer, or even an inventor, Xai Robotics will give them the competitive edge to succeed.

9. Can homeschool students benefit from Xai Robotics?

Yes! We offer a home education instructional program that fits seamlessly into your homeschool schedule. With flexible hours and personalized learning paths, our program enriches your teen's education by offering hands-on STEM experiences that go beyond textbooks. Plus, we’re an approved provider for the PEP and FES-UA scholarships, making it easy to integrate into your home education budget .

10. How do we get started?

It’s simple! Sign up today and let your teen begin their journey into the world of robotics and technology. To learn more, visit our workshop, or contact us at info@xairobotics.com. We’re here to help your teen take the first step toward a future in STEM .

11. Can students use the workshop’s 3D printers for personal projects?

Our 3D printers are reserved for class-related materials to ensure equitable access for all students working on their projects. Similar to how a piano program encourages parents to invest in a home piano for practice, we suggest parents invest in a small 3D printer if their student wants to print diverse non-class-related items.

That said, our Optimus Innovator membership provides students with additional opportunities to engage in the workshop, exploring advanced projects, honing their CAD skills, and receiving extended mentorship. While printing remains focused on class-related work, being in the workshop more often opens up a world of deeper learning and creativity under expert guidance.

This policy ensures that the printers remain available for coursework while maximizing the value of the resources and time spent in the workshop.

12. Do students keep the robots they build in the program?

Students leave with a world-class skill set and a portfolio of projects—not the physical robots. The parts used in our program are reused for future learning experiences, similar to how engineering programs or world-class music academies work. What students take home are their skills, designs, and documentation, which become part of a professional portfolio that highlights their expertise and creativity for college applications, internships, and future careers.

13. Can students keep their designs and projects?

Absolutely! Students own the intellectual output of their work, including CAD files, programming code (e.g., in C++ or Python), circuit schematics, project documentation, and videos showcasing their robots in action. These materials become part of a professional portfolio that highlights their expertise, creativity, and accomplishments—an invaluable resource for college applications, internships, and future careers.

While the physical components are reused to support future projects and learning opportunities, students retain all the work they create during their time in the program, ensuring they leave with a comprehensive record of their achievements.

14. Why don’t you have a parent lobby?

At Xai Robotics, our workshop is designed to immerse students—our Xaiborgs—in an authentic, professional-grade engineering experience. Every aspect of our space is crafted to foster creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning without distraction, providing your child with an environment that mirrors real-world engineering spaces. While we do not offer a dedicated parent lobby, parents are welcome to wait outside or at the restaurant conveniently located next door. This approach ensures that your child has the focused, high-quality learning experience they deserve while still keeping you close by.