robotics

Fall 2024

Discover the exciting world of robotics with our Robotics courses, designed for students ages ​10+. These 10-session course are the perfect next step from LEGO Robotics, offering hands-​on experience with real robotics components to design, build, and program your own robots.

schedule at a glance

Click the course name to learn more or click the date and time below to register.

101

102

103

104

201

Cancelled

204

robotics 101:

intro to robotics

Designed for students aged 10+

Discover the exciting world of robotics with our Robotics 101 course. This 10-session course is the perfect ​next step from LEGO robotics, offering hands-on experience with real robotics components to design, ​build, and program your own robots.

Course Highlights

• The Basics of Arduino Microprocessors: a powerful and versatile microcontroller used in countless ​robotics projects.
  
• Hands-on Building: Design and construct robots using real components like sensors, motors, and wires, ​gaining practical skills in electronics and mechanics.
  
• Programming Basics: Write and upload code to the Arduino to control your robots, starting with simple ​tasks and progressing to more complex functions.
  
• Sensor Integration: Explore how to use various sensors to enable your robot to interact with its ​environment, such as detecting obstacles and following lines.
  
• Motor Control: Understand how to control different types of motors to drive and move your robots.
  
• Problem-Solving and Innovation: Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as you ​troubleshoot and refine your robotic creations.
  
• Collaborative Projects: Work together with peers on exciting projects, fostering teamwork and ​communication skills.
  
• Showcase of Creations: Present your robots and demonstrate the skills and concepts you have learned ​throughout the course.
  

Robotics 101 is the foundation for more advanced robotics courses and provides a solid introduction to

the world of Arduino and real-world robotics. By the end of the course, students will have the confidence ​and skills to tackle more challenging projects and continue their journey in robotics.

robotics 102:

Design and manufacturing

Designed for students aged 10+

Prerequisite: Robotics 101

Step into the world of Medieval Madness with our Robotics 102 course, where students take their robotics ​skills to the next level! This exciting 10-session course is designed for students who have completed ​Robotics 101 and are ready for a new challenge.

Course Highlights:

• Design and Development: Learn the design process to develop robots capable of navigating and ​competing in our Custom Medieval-Themed Obstacle Course!
  
• Engineering Guidance: Work alongside our skilled engineer instructors to design and build adaptations ​to your robot. Study the obstacle course and devise the best strategies to maximize points and minimize ​time.
  
• Advanced Tools: Utilize advanced tools such as 3D printers and the state-of-the-art XTool laser cutter ​to create customized parts and enhancements for your robot.
  
• Hands-on Learning: Engage in hands-on activities that emphasize problem-solving, innovation, and the ​application of engineering principles.
  
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborate with peers to share ideas and techniques, fostering a ​supportive and creative learning environment.
  
• Obstacle Course Competition: Showcase your robot's capabilities in an exciting competition open to ​family and friends. The competition will take place at the end of the course, with more details on the ​date and time to come.
  

What Students Will Learn:

• Advanced Robotics Design: Techniques for designing and building complex robotic adaptations.
  
• Optimization Strategies: How to analyze and optimize designs for performance and efficiency in a ​competitive setting.
  
• Technical Skills: Master the use of advanced manufacturing tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters.
  
• Project Management: Develop project management skills by planning, executing, and iterating on ​robotic designs.
  
• Team Collaboration: Enhance teamwork and communication skills by working on group projects and ​sharing feedback.
  

Join us for Robotics 102: Medieval Madness and take your robotics expertise to new heights. This course ​not only builds on the foundational skills learned in Robotics 101 but also introduces new challenges and ​technologies to inspire creativity and innovation.

robotics 103:

Build a hexapod

Designed for students aged 10+

Expand your robotics skills with Robotics 103, where we dive into advanced Arduino applications and ​explore a variety of sensors to enhance your robotics projects. This course is designed for students who ​have completed Robotics 101 and are eager to take their knowledge to the next level.

Course Highlights:

• Advanced Arduino Programming: Learn to program complex functionalities using Arduino ​microcontrollers. Enhance your coding skills and apply them to sophisticated robotics projects.
  
• Sensor Integration: Explore and integrate various sensors, including ultrasonic, infrared, temperature, ​and motion sensors, to create more responsive and intelligent robots.
  
• Hands-on Projects: Engage in hands-on projects that challenge you to design, build, and program robots ​with advanced capabilities.
  
• Problem-Solving Skills: Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as you tackle more complex ​robotics challenges.
  
• Guided Learning: Receive guidance from experienced instructors who will help you understand ​advanced concepts and provide support as you work on your projects.
  
• Collaboration: Work with peers to share ideas, troubleshoot issues, and learn from each other in a ​collaborative environment.
  

What Students Will Learn:

• Advanced Arduino Techniques: Gain a deeper understanding of Arduino programming, including the use ​of libraries and advanced functions.
  
• Sensor Applications: Learn how to use different types of sensors to make your robots more interactive ​and autonomous.
  
• Complex Project Development: Plan and execute more complex robotics projects, from initial concept ​to final implementation.
  
• Debugging and Optimization: Enhance your ability to debug and optimize your code and hardware for ​better performance.
  
• Teamwork and Communication: Improve teamwork and communication skills through group projects and ​collaborative problem-solving.
  

Join us for Robotics 103 and push the boundaries of your robotics knowledge. This course offers an ​exciting opportunity to delve deeper into Arduino programming and sensor technology, providing a strong ​foundation for future robotics endeavors.

robotics 104:

biobots

Designed for students aged 10+

Explore the fascinating world of bioengineering with Robotics 104: BioBots. In this innovative course, ​students aged 10 and up will learn to control electronics and robots using signals from their muscles, ​bridging the gap between biology and technology through the powerful capabilities of Arduino.

Course Highlights:

• Introduction to Bioengineering: Gain an understanding of bioengineering principles and how they apply ​to robotics.
  
• Muscle Signals and Arduino: Learn how to use muscle signals (EMG) to control electronic devices and ​robots through Arduino programming.
  
• Hands-on Projects: Engage in hands-on projects that involve creating bio-interactive robots and ​devices.
  
• Sensor Integration: Understand and integrate EMG sensors with Arduino to capture and utilize muscle ​signals effectively.
  
• Guided Learning: Benefit from the guidance of experienced instructors who will help you navigate the ​complexities of bio-interactive robotics.
  
• Collaborative Environment: Work with peers in a collaborative setting to share ideas, troubleshoot ​issues, and enhance learning.
  

What Students Will Learn:

• Basics of EMG Sensors: Discover how EMG sensors work and how they can be used to detect muscle ​signals.
  
• Arduino Programming: Enhance your Arduino programming skills to process and utilize muscle signals in ​robotics projects.
  
• Bio-Interactive Projects: Design, build, and program robots and electronic devices that respond to ​muscle signals.
  
• Problem-Solving Skills: Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through the creation of bio-​interactive projects.
  
• Integration and Optimization: Learn to integrate and optimize sensors and electronics to create ​responsive and efficient bio-interactive systems.
  
• Teamwork and Communication: Improve teamwork and communication skills by working on group ​projects and sharing insights with peers.
  

Join us for Robotics 104: BioBots and delve into the cutting-edge field of bio-interactive robotics. This ​course offers a unique opportunity to explore how biological signals can control technology, providing a ​solid foundation for future exploration in bioengineering and robotics.

robotics 201:

Build a humanoid robot

Designed for students aged 12+

Elevate your robotics skills with our Robotics 201: Intermediate Robotics course. This 10-session course ​builds on foundational robotics knowledge, introducing students to the powerful Raspberry Pi and Python ​programming. In this course, students will build a mini humanoid robot, setting the stage for advanced ​robotics and AI.

Course Highlights:

• Introduction to Raspberry Pi: Gain hands-on experience with the Raspberry Pi, understanding its ​capabilities and applications in robotics.
  
• Python Programming: Learn the fundamentals of Python programming, a versatile and widely-used ​language in the tech industry.
  
• Sensor Integration: Explore how to connect and use various sensors with the Raspberry Pi to gather and ​process data.
  
• Motor Control: Understand how to control motors and actuators using Python, bringing their robotic ​creations to life.
  
• Building Complex Robots: Apply their knowledge to design, build, and program more complex robots ​capable of performing advanced tasks.
  
• Problem-Solving Skills: Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through challenging robotics ​projects.
  
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Work in teams to tackle robotics challenges, fostering collaboration and ​communication skills.
  
• Project Showcase: Present their final projects, demonstrating their robots' capabilities and the skills ​they have acquired.
  

By completing Robotics 201, students will be well-prepared to advance their knowledge and take on more ​sophisticated robotics projects. Join us for Robotics 201 and take the next step in your robotics journey ​with Raspberry Pi and Python.

robotics 204:

drone fundamentals

Designed for students aged 12+

Unlock the exciting world of drones with our Drone Fundamentals course! This 10-session course offers an ​in-depth exploration of drone technology, providing hands-on experience in building their own drone from ​scratch.

Course Highlights:

• Introduction to Drone Technology: Gain a comprehensive understanding of drone components and their ​functions, including the Raspberry Pi, motors, and 3D-printed parts.
  
• Engineering and Design Principles: Learn the fundamental engineering principles behind drone design, ​ensuring stability, balance, and performance.
  
• 3D Printing for Drones: Design and print custom drone parts using 3D printing technology, tailoring ​their drone to their specific requirements and creativity.
  
• Assembling the Drone: Step-by-step guidance on assembling the drone, connecting electronic ​components, and integrating the Raspberry Pi for control and communication.
  
• Programming the Drone: Learn to program the drone using Raspberry Pi, configuring flight controls and ​automating functions for an enhanced understanding of drone technology.
  
• Flight Mechanics: Explore the science of flight, understanding how lift, thrust, drag, and weight affect ​drone performance and maneuverability.
  
• Safety Protocols: Emphasize safety measures for operating drones, including pre-flight checks, ​emergency procedures, and safe handling practices.
  
• Real-World Applications: Discover various applications of drones in fields such as photography, ​agriculture, search and rescue, and more.
  

While this course focuses primarily on the science and technology behind drones, students will gain ​valuable insights into drone mechanics and programming. Future courses will provide more hands-on ​experience with flying and piloting drones.

By the end of the course, students will have a thorough understanding of drone technology and hands-on ​experience in designing and building their own custom drones. This course is perfect for budding engineers ​and tech enthusiasts eager to explore the rapidly growing field of drone technology.