Watson Tech Center Case Study | Oriental Navigation
Overview: A Proven Drone Obstacle Course for U.S. STEM Programs
A drone obstacle course is a core component of modern STEM education in the United States. For tech centers and schools running drone coding, racing, and hands-on engineering programs, the right obstacle course directly impacts learning outcomes, student engagement, and program retention.
This case study explores how Watson Tech Center, a leading youth STEM hub in Los Angeles, upgraded its programs using Oriental Navigation’s Flying Loops Kit B—a modular, high-visibility drone obstacle course kit designed specifically for U.S. educational standards.
Why Watson Tech Center Chose Flying Loops Kit B
Watson Tech Center needed a drone obstacle course for STEM education that could support indoor and outdoor use, frequent setup, and progressive skill development. Flying Loops Kit B met those requirements with a balance of durability, visibility, and modular flexibility.
Key selection criteria included:
- High-contrast design for visual tracking and FPV use
- Component sizes aligned with U.S. educational drone standards
- Lightweight, foldable structures for fast setup and teardown
- Compatibility with drone coding and racing programs
Flying Loops Kit B: What’s Included (12-Piece Set)
The Flying Loops Kit B drone obstacle course includes a full range of training elements suitable for beginners through advanced students:
- 1.5 m Large Circular Gate
A wide entry and exit obstacle for beginner pilots, featuring blue-white checkered markings for easy visual reference. - 90 cm Loop, 40 cm Loop, and Crossed Loop
Size-graded obstacles that support progressive training from basic navigation to advanced precision flying. - Arch Obstacle
A low-profile structure for altitude control and coding-based height adjustments. - 2 m Flags (3 pcs)
Tall visual markers used for route planning, navigation drills, and race course layout. - Landing Pads (2 pcs)
Blue-and-white “H” landing markers for practicing accurate takeoff and landing, essential for competition preparation. - Shaft Tunnel and Suspended Tunnel
Enclosed obstacles that challenge spatial awareness and downward vision systems.
All components are constructed from lightweight, tear-resistant fabric, with each piece weighing ≤ 2.5 kg, making the kit ideal for mobile STEM programs and rotating workshop spaces.
Who Is Flying Loops Kit B Designed For?
Flying Loops Kit B is designed for organizations searching for a professional drone obstacle course in the U.S. market, including:
- STEM education centers
- Middle and high schools
- After-school drone clubs
- Coding and robotics programs
- Youth drone racing teams
- Community STEM outreach events
Technical Overview of Flying Loops Kit B
- Total components: 12
- Maximum gate diameter: 1.5 meters
- Smallest loop size: 40 cm
- Average component weight: ≤ 2.5 kg
- Material: lightweight, tear-resistant fabric
- Setup time: under 15 minutes
- Use environment: indoor and outdoor
How Watson Tech Center Uses the Drone Obstacle Course
1. After-School Drone Coding Classes (Ages 10–12)
For beginner students, Watson builds a simplified drone obstacle course using the 1.5 m gate, 90 cm loop, and landing pads. Students program drones with Blockly-based visual coding tools to navigate the course, transforming abstract logic into hands-on learning.
After introducing Flying Loops Kit B, Watson reported a 35% increase in student retention, with many students citing the clear visuals and game-like challenges as key motivators.
2. Competitive Drone Racing Workshops (Ages 13–16)
For advanced students preparing for U.S. youth drone racing events, Watson assembles a high-difficulty course using the crossed loop, tunnels, and flags. The high-contrast blue-and-white design ensures obstacle clarity for FPV-equipped drones, even under strong outdoor lighting.
In 2024, 80% of Watson’s racing team qualified for regional competitions, up from 50% before adopting Flying Loops Kit B.
3. Community STEM Outreach and Public Events
At Los Angeles community tech festivals, Watson deploys Flying Loops Kit B as a public drone challenge course. Participants experience pre-programmed flight missions while instructors explain how each obstacle relates to real-world engineering concepts.
These events generated over 400 participant interactions, with 25% converting into paid STEM programs, directly attributed to the course’s visual impact and accessibility.
Why Oriental Navigation Was Selected as the Supplier
Beyond the equipment itself, Oriental Navigation delivered a complete solution tailored to U.S. STEM customers:
- Custom Branding
The blue-and-white obstacle course was customized to match Watson Tech Center’s brand identity at no additional cost. - Fast U.S. Delivery
The kit was delivered to Los Angeles within 2 business days, supporting time-sensitive program launches. - Education-Ready Resources
English-language lesson outlines, coding examples (Blockly and Python), and competition guidance were included. - Reliable After-Sales Support
Replacement parts and technical assistance were provided quickly, minimizing downtime during active programs.
Results and Measurable Impact
Within six months of adopting Flying Loops Kit B, Watson Tech Center achieved:
- 40% increase in program enrollment
- 25% improvement in competitive win rates
- USD 15,000 in new community-sponsored funding
- 92% parent satisfaction rating for drone programs
“Flying Loops Kit B is not just a drone obstacle course—it’s a teaching tool that scales with our students,” said Watson’s program director. “Oriental Navigation delivered a solution that fits both our educational goals and operational needs.”
Get a Custom Drone Obstacle Course for Your STEM Program
If your school, tech center, or STEM organization is searching for a drone obstacle course for education or training, Flying Loops Kit B offers a proven, modular solution trusted by U.S. institutions.
You will receive:
- Modular 12-piece drone obstacle course kits
- Custom colors and branding options
- Fast U.S. shipping (2–5 business days)
- English-language educational support
- One-year warranty and affordable replacement parts
The right drone obstacle course transforms drone play into real skill development.
Contact Oriental Navigation today to design a Flying Loops Kit tailored to your STEM program.
