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The FIRST Tech Challenge will use the Matrix Robotics System, which is considered the next step in teaching students about building and developing robots.

After a two-day workshop, part of Google's Computer Science 4 High Schools initiative at Macquarie University, the Launceston Christian School robotics teacher Bruce McIntosh introduced the system to his grade 10 class.

''The eventual goal is to see if we can develop local competitions to take part in, and then also compete at a national level,'' Mr McIntosh said.

He would like to put together a team to compete in the challenge at Macquarie University in December.

The robotics system follows on from the students' previous building work, in which the students also learnt to program robots.

The new system develops those skills further to build and program robots that are autonomous, or that can be controlled through an obstacle course or to perform tasks.

Mr McIntosh said the robots would also work on sensors to identify walls, distance and terrain.

He said he was keen to spread the word about the benefits of teaching robotics.