Push classroom boundaries and venture into new STEM learning terrains. The challenge requires students to work in teams of 3 – 6 members to DESIGN, BUILD, CODE & DRIVE a remotely controlled four-wheel drive vehicle around our special 4x4 in Schools Challenge terrain course.

The challenge requires students to work in teams to design, build and code a remotely controlled four-wheel drive (4x4) vehicle. It must successfully navigate and complete obstacles on a special scale test track which is just as demanding as a real off-road situation, emulating the capabilities of a full size 4x4 vehicle. The competition has a strong emphasis on electronics, coding and programming, with students challenged to innovate, using sensors and vehicle control systems on an Arduino platform along with mobile app development. The program is open to students from grade 8 through to university age. 

4X4 in Schools can seem overwhelming at first glance however it is much easier to get started than it may first seem. Below, we have broken down the program into simple steps. 

EQUIPMENT

You will need the 4x4 in Schools starter kit which can be purchased from Yas in Schools. The kit contains the rock crawler vehicle and all the electronics you will need. Further details about this can be found below.

All of the code and 3D printed parts are provided by us and are downloadable on the right hand side of this page. We however encourage students to modify and/or come up with their own solutions. 

COMPETITION ELEMENTS

The 4x4 in Schools Vehicle

• Customised car body - various approaches to this can be taken, refer to regulations 
• Tilt sensor with alarm - electronics and code provided
• Automated headlights - electronics and code provided
• Automated tow bar - electronics and code provided

Team Pit Garage

• Optional marketing display 

6-minute Verbal Presentation 

• Content and format described in this document and scorecards 

The Vehicle Tests

1.     Terrain Challenge – Development and Professional Category teams must navigate their vehicle across the various standard track elements within a set time limit. 

2.     Trailer Tow Challenge – Development and Professional Category teams will need to put their automated tow bars to the test. Reverse and hitch to the standard trailer as fast as possible, then navigate the trailer tow course, including a reversing test, within a set time limit.

To participate in the UAE 4x4 in Schools Technology Challenge, each team needs to purchase the official Team Starter Pack from Yas in Schools.

Note - Team Starter Packs from 2017 - 2019 (Temper ECX Rock Crawler Type) are permitted for use also at no disadvantage.

The New 2020 Starter Pack includes:

1. Official 4x4 in Schools RC Rock Crawler Set
2. Plug n Play Electronics Pack inclusive of
   • Arduino / Uno R3 Controller
   • Bluetooth Module
   • Breadboard Expansion Module
   • Gyroscope
   • Passive Buzzer
   • Wiring jumper leads
   • Light Dependent Resistor
   • LEDS / Resistors
   • and much more

Contact us to find more information about this: yasinschools@ymc.ae

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE 2022 NATIONAL FINALS TO GET INSPIRATION FOR YOUR CAR BODY! 

We have provided below a number of example portfolios from previous team entries to the National Finals. These are intended to be used as a guide to help teams get started with 4x4 in Schools. Under no circumstances should the work contained in these portfolios be copied. Yas in Schools checks all portfolio entries for plagiarism and any team caught plagiarising will be disqualified. 

CRIMSON GLADIATORS - university category 

CRIMSON GLADIATORS_PORTFOLIO.pdf

OFF CENTRE - professional category 

OffCentre_Portfolio.pdf

2023-24 4X4 IN SCHOOLS REGULATIONS AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD NOW!!

(Click the image to download)

(Click the image to download)

TOWBAR SERVO MOTOR CONTROL APP

This is the recommended app to use from your mobile device to control the Towbar Servo on the Yas in Schools Baseline 4x4 Car via Bluetooth. 

Compatible with Android devices only.

DOWNLOAD HERE: Yas in Schools 4x4 - Towbar Servo Controller App.zip

Installation Instructions:

1. Download the .Zip file to your device.
2. Unzip the zip file (if required)
3. Navigate to your phone settings menu then to the security settings.
4. Enable the Install from Unknown Sources option.
5. Use a file browser and navigate to your download / unzipped folder.
6. Tap the APK to begin the installation process.
7. The app should safely install.

ARDUINO CODE

This is the Yas in Schools developed baseline code ready for upload to Arduino / Uno compatible control boards. The code simultaneously controls, auto headlights, tilt sensor via gyro and automatic towbar. Your challenge is to make improvements to the Yas in Schools 'baseline code'. 

DOWNLOAD HERE: 4x4combine_code.ino

ELECTRONICS SCHEMATIC 

Follow this schematic to build the Yas in Schools Baseline 4x4 Car electronics using 'plug n play' components supplied in the team Starter Pack

DOWNLOAD HERE: Yas in Schools Baseline 4x4 Car - Electronics Schematic.pdf

TOW BAR SYSTEM

PARTS

This zip folder contains all assembly components in STL format ready to print.

1. Towbar Chassis Bracket
2. Pinion Gear
3. Towbar with rack gear
4. Housing Cover

Printing Tips - Think carefully about the best way to orientate your parts so that printed layer direction helps maximize the strength of the Chassis Bracket and Rack and Pinion System

DOWNLOAD HERE: Auto Towbar Assembly Parts.zip

CAD FILES

ZIP FILE INCLUDES - .IGES and Fusion 360 Model Assembly models ready for you to innovate and improve!

DOWNLOAD HERE: Towbar Assembly - CAD.zip

Suspension Clip.zip 9V-Battery-Mount-V5.1-2020.zip Arduino-Mount-V5-2020.zip YiS-Official-4x4-Trailer.zip YiS-Official-Trailer-Parts.zip

SIDE MOUNTING BRACKETS

These allow you to mount all of the electronics to the vehicle!

2020 ROCK CRAWLER BRACKETS

NOTE - These mounting bracket parts are ONLY compatible with the 2020 Land Rover 4x4 in Schools Official Rock Crawler  - 1:16 Scale

9 VOLT BATTERY MOUNT

ZIP FILE INCLUDES - .STL .IGES and Fusion 360 Model

Printing Tips - Orientate so that its standing upright with the two body mount posts parallel to the printing bed. This print layering direction will increase the strength of the body mount posts.

DOWNLOAD HERE: 9V-Battery-Mount-V5.1-2020.zip

UNO CONTROLLER & BREADBOARD MOUNT

ZIP FILE INCLUDES - .STL .IGES and Fusion 360 Model

Printing Tips - Orientate so that its standing upright with the two body mount posts parallel to the printing bed. This print layering direction will increase the strength of the body mount posts.

DOWNLOAD HERE: Arduino-Mount-V5-2020.zip

SUSPENSION

Zip file contains; short, medium and long versions in STL format, along with the Fusion 360 model

The suspension clip is designed to be placed above the coil spring on the official 4x4 rock crawler damper. It compresses the coil spring which then tightens the suspension and can help improve performance when extra weight of body shell and electronics is added to the car.

DOWNLOAD HERE: Suspension Clip.zip

TRAILER

Optional however useful to practice with prior to the competition!

OFFICIAL TRAILER PARTS

Download and unzip to access all trailer parts ready for 3D printing.

DOWNLOAD HERE: YiS-Official-Trailer-Parts.zip

To complete your trailer you will need to find 4 x Lego Technic or Mind Storm wheel type - Lego Part Number 56145 (30.4mm dia x 20mm). The Yas in Schools official trailer axle has been designed for direct fitting of these wheels. See below picture.

OFFICAL 4X4 TRAILER CAD PARTS

Download and unzip for accessing the complete official trailer assembly in .F3Z and .IGES CAD file formats

DOWNLOAD HERE: YiS-Official-4x4-Trailer.zip