The Buzz | August 2026 (Back to School)
The Buzz | August 2026 (Back to School)
A new school year means new students, new challenges, and–this year–some big updates from Robolink.
The best part is that the ideas behind these updates aren’t really ours.
They’re yours.
In recent years, educators and students have asked us for cameras on CoDrone. Educators have also requested better ways to manage students in Robolink Learn and easier, sturdier classroom storage. We listened, and those requests helped shape what we’re launching for the 2026–27 school year.
Below is a breakdown of what's new. You can also join Frankie Baker on August 18 to dive even deeper into every one of these back-to-school updates:
Webinar: You Asked, We Listened: Your 2026–27 Back-to-School Preview
Aug 18, 2026 5:00 PM PT
B2S Update 01 - Meet CoDrone EDU Plus
I have CoDrones from Robolink! The only con is that they don’t have a camera. –Teacher (Ohio)
Is there an FPV camera compatible with CoDrone EDU? –Technology Coach (California)
Is there a camera on this drone? – Teacher (Texas)
Educators AND students have asked us for a camera-enabled CoDrone. Launching this school year, CoDrone EDU Plus delivers with not one but two cameras – along with computer vision activities and career-connected lessons.
With Plus, students will code in Python or start with block-based coding, using cameras as programmable sensors to explore pre-trained models for object detection, AprilTags, pose estimation, and more.
With the best code repeatability of any of our drones, CoDrone EDU Plus builds computer science, engineering, critical thinking, and foundational AI skills with experiences that go beyond screens.
CoDrone EDU Plus is still in development and will be available to order this school year. It will be part of the REC Foundation's Aerial Drone Competition, most likely for Aerial Drone Competition Pro, in future seasons.
Learn more about Plus, and sign up to be first to know when orders start, at robolink.com/plus.
B2S Update 02 - An Educator Dashboard in Robolink Learn
Is there a way to monitor students’ progress? –Academic/Technology Coach (Hawaii)
Is there another way to create student accounts quicker than one by one. It is very tedious!!! –CS Teacher (California)
...or student progress area where I can view their work? –5-8 Technology Teacher (Ohio)
The new Educator Dashboard in Robolink Learn is built around all this feedback and more.
Starting August 17 within Robolink Learn, educators can:
-
Track student progress and review work
-
Create student accounts in bulk using CSVs or invite codes
-
Manage multiple classrooms from one place
Check it out later this month and let us know what you think! We hope this means less account wrangling and more time for teaching, flying, and learning.
B2S Update 03 - We Heard You About Storage, Too
Has anyone found a good storage solution for the CoDrone? –Aerial Drone Competition Coach (Illinois)
A classroom full of drones also means batteries, controllers, replacement parts, and a lot more to keep organized. Add in travel for the REC Foundation's Aerial Drone Competition, and you have even more considerations like protecting your precious drone cargo.
So, we created the CoDrone EDU Classroom Storage Container, giving educators a simpler way to store, organize, and move their classroom fleet.
Small request? Maybe. But anyone who has managed a room full of drones knows it can make a very big difference.
The Classroom Storage Container is available invdividually for a limited time this back-to-school season, so recent Classroom Pack purchasers can nab one. In the near future, Classroom Packs will come packed in the Storage Container.
See Everything New for Back to School
Want the full walkthrough?
Join Sr. Community Engagement Manager Frankie Baker on August 18 at 7:00 PM CT for our You Asked, We Listened: 2026–27 Back-to-School Preview.
August Featured Activity: The CoDrone EDU Name Game
Want a low-prep STEM activity that helps new classmates get to know each other? Look no further.
In this month's featured CoDrone activity, students will program their drone to spell their first name (or nickname) one letter at a time. (Plus, share your activity on social to be entered to win a drone this month!)
ADC Dispatch: Mission 2027 Is Cleared for Takeoff
The wait is almost over. Mission 2027 launches August 11, and Robolink and the REC Foundation are bringing the Aerial Drone Competition community together to celebrate.
Join the Mission 2027 Game Release Watch Party starting at 3:30 PM CT, with team interviews, competition highlights, special guests, and a live countdown to the 4:00 PM CT game reveal.
We can’t wait to see what teams do with Mission 2027.
Watch the Mission 2027 release live here >
Community Spotlight: Cyber Academy Teens Take Flight
This summer, we shared Drone Summer Camp activities and asked our community of educators to share summer drone activities and activations of their own.
We loved seeing all of the ways you made STEM, CS, and CTE hands on for students during the warmer months. We're closing out this edition of the Buzz by celebrating what one community member, Dr. Kimberly Frost, had to share.
Here’s to the 2026–27 School Year
New drones, software tools, and drone competition missions feel like a great way to kick off the year.
The most important part of Robolink hasn’t changed: the educators and students who continue to shape what we build.
Keep asking and we'll keep listening.