Curriculum

Robotics
Curriculum

Robotics Curriculum

About the Program

Imagine a bustling small town with a growing population. With each passing day, more businesses, markets, schools, and households produce various types of waste, from food scraps and plastic wrappers to glass bottles and metal cans. However, the town’s waste management infrastructure struggles to keep pace. Overflowing garbage bins on the streets not only become an eyesore but also pose health and environmental risks. Piles of unsorted waste attract pests and increase pollution, while waste collection teams spend extra hours manually sorting recyclables from non-recyclables—a task that is both costly and time-consuming. The limited space in the town’s landfill quickly fills up, forcing the administration to consider expansion, which requires more land and resources.

Now, imagine a smart, automated solution designed to streamline waste collection, sorting, and disposal: a self-sufficient garbage collection and sorting system that not only manages waste more efficiently but also actively supports the town’s recycling efforts.

This system could be a series of smart waste bins equipped with advanced sensors, mechanical sorting mechanisms, and a networked communication system. These smart bins would replace conventional bins around town, identifying and categorizing waste as it’s deposited. For example, an individual dropping a plastic bottle would trigger sensors that recognize it as recyclable plastic, while food scraps would be diverted to an organic waste compartment. Each material type—plastics, glass, metals, organic waste, and non-recyclables—would have its designated area, ensuring immediate sorting at the source and saving time later.

Once waste is sorted within the bins, an automated conveyor belt system would transport materials to different compartments or containers, such as a crusher for glass and metal or a compactor for plastic waste. This not only reduces the overall volume but also prepares the recyclables for easy collection and transportation to local recycling centers, minimizing the need for further handling. Powered by solar panels on each unit, the system could operate off the grid, offering a sustainable solution with low operational costs.

Additionally, this smart system would be connected to a centralized data platform accessible to waste management teams. With real-time data on waste levels, collection teams would receive notifications whenever a bin is approaching capacity, allowing them to optimize routes, reduce collection frequency, and cut down on fuel costs. This smart scheduling system would minimize overflow situations and keep public areas clean, contributing to a more organized and appealing town environment.

Requirements

A basic understanding of mathematics (algebra, geometry), and a computer with at least a core i5 processor and 8GB RAM; prior programming or electrical experience is not required.

Student to Teacher Ratio of 5:1
Robotics Curriculum

Curriculum

1. Introduction to Robotics
  1. History and evolution of robotics
  2. Types of robots: industrial, service, autonomous, mobile, humanoid
  3. Key components of a robot: sensors, actuators, controllers
  4. Robotics applications in various industries (healthcare, manufacturing, military, entertainment)
This section introduces essential concepts in electronics that are crucial for understanding and building robotic systems.
  1. Introduction to AC and DC Electricity
    1. DC Electricity: Understand the basics of direct current (DC), including voltage and current flows, and its applications in battery-operated devices and robots.
    2. AC Electricity: Learn about alternating current (AC) and how it differs from DC. Gain insight into AC sources, frequency, and phase, with a focus on applications in power supplies.
    3. AC with DC Voltage: Explore circuits where both AC and DC voltage are present, such as coupling capacitors and rectifiers.
  2. Ohm's Law and Power Calculations
    1. Application of Ohm's Law (V = IR) and power formulas (P = IV) to determine voltage, current, and resistance in various circuit components.
    2. Understand real-world applications, such as how power requirements impact battery choice and component selection.
  3. Using Multimeters
    1. Learn to measure voltage, current, and resistance with multimeters.
    2. Practice hands-on troubleshooting in simple circuits, building the foundation for more complex diagnostics in robotic systems.
  4. Resistors and Variable Resistors
    1. Study the function of resistors, including fixed and variable types (potentiometers).
    2. Understand how resistors regulate current and are used in sensor interfacing, motor control, and signal processing.
  5. Capacitors and Diodes
    1. Explore capacitors as energy storage elements, timing circuits, and filters.
    2. Learn about diodes, LEDs, and Zener diodes for current direction control, voltage regulation, and light generation in robotics applications.
  6. Breadboarding and Prototyping Basics
    1. Introduce breadboards and how to use them to create and test prototype circuits quickly.
    2. Practice building simple circuits with LEDs, resistors, and diodes, as well as troubleshooting and refining designs.
  7. Schematic Diagrams and Circuit Design
    1. Understand and create schematic diagrams, learning symbols for all components studied.
    2. Design and analyze simple circuits using resistors, capacitors, and LEDs. Cover topics like parallel and series resistors and their effect on total resistance.
This section delves into more complex analog circuits that allow for signal amplification, modulation, and power management, essential for powering robotic systems.
  1. Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amps)
    1. Introduce basic circuits, including inverting and non-inverting amplifiers.
    2. Applications include signal conditioning, filters, and amplifying weak sensor signals in robots.
  2. Transistors and Amplification
    1. Study transistors (NPN and PNP) as switches and amplifiers, critical for controlling motors and other robotic actuators.
    2. Learn about MOSFET transistors and heat sinks for high-power applications, focusing on power efficiency in mobile robots.
  3. Power Distribution and Battery Management
    1. Understand voltage regulation, including linear and switching regulators, to ensure consistent power.
    2. Explore battery management for rechargeable systems, with a focus on energy-efficient power supply in portable robots.
  4. 555 Timer Circuits and Oscillators
    1. Learn about the 555 timer in astable and monostable modes, using it for timing applications such as tone generation, LED flashing, and motor speed control.
    2. Explore voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) and their role in generating specific frequencies for use in remote control or sensor applications.
Digital electronics provide the foundation for logic and control in robotics, allowing students to design circuits that make decisions, process binary data, and communicate with microcontrollers.
  1. Logic Gates and Boolean Algebra
    1. Understand the principles of Boolean algebra and basic logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, XOR).
    2. Explore real-world applications, such as using gates to control sensors, activate motors, and create decision-making circuits.
  2. Binary Number System and Digital Circuits
    1. Learn about binary, decimal, and hexadecimal systems, including conversions between them.
    2. Understand how digital circuits work in robots, using binary states (on/off) to control actuators and interpret sensor signals.
  3. Microcontrollers and Digital Signals
    1. Introduce microcontrollers and their digital input/output capabilities.
    2. Cover pulse-width modulation (PWM) and other digital signal techniques for controlling motor speed, LED brightness, and other actuators.
  4. Servo Motors and Motor Control
    1. Explore servos and their control using PWM, covering applications in joint control for robotic arms or wheeled robots.
    2. Learn about H-bridge circuits for bidirectional motor control and understand their importance in mobile robotics.
Hands-on activities reinforce theoretical concepts and give students practical experience in building, testing, and troubleshooting circuits. Each activity prepares students for real-world applications in robotics and embedded systems.
  1. Hands-On Circuit Building
    1. Build basic circuits, such as LED control with buttons and switches, and experiment with different resistor and capacitor configurations.
    2. Construct a 555 timer circuit for simple timing applications and understand its use as a clock source in robotics.
  2. Soldering and Prototyping Techniques
    1. Learn basic soldering skills for creating durable electronic connections.
    2. Assemble small circuit boards for robotic applications, such as motor drivers and sensor interfaces.
  3. Testing and Debugging with Multimeters
    1. Practice troubleshooting circuits by measuring voltage, current, and resistance.
    2. Use debugging skills to identify issues in power distribution and connectivity, essential for robotic reliability.
  4. Advanced Project: Servo Hacking and Continuous Rotation
    1. Modify standard servos for continuous rotation, enabling them to be used as motors for mobile robots.
    2. Experiment with variable resistors to control servo rotation, creating a basic steering mechanism.
These additional topics provide students with deeper insights into advanced electronics applications that are crucial for more sophisticated robotic systems.
  1. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
    1. Explore PWM in depth, with applications in motor speed control, LED dimming, and creating smooth movement in servos.
    2. Apply PWM in real-world scenarios like controlling fan speeds or adjusting lighting.
  2. Voltage Dividers and Voltage-Controlled Oscillators
    1. Learn to build and use voltage dividers in circuits to manage sensor inputs and control signal voltages.
    2. Understand voltage-controlled oscillators for generating variable frequencies, useful in sound generation or sensor simulation.
  3. Inductors and Transformers
    1. Introduction to inductors in power regulation and signal filtering.
    2. Study transformers for power conversion and learn about center-tapped transformers for dual power supply circuits.
  4. Power Supplies: Building and Hacking
    1. Construct simple power supplies for different voltage levels, such as +5V and +12V, which are commonly needed in robotics.
    2. Explore AC-to-DC conversion and build regulated power sources to safely power robot components.
  5. High Power Transmission and Motor Control
    1. Understand concepts of RMS power, efficiency, and loss in power transmission, which are critical in high-power robotics applications.
    2. Learn about high-power motor control, including MOSFET-based power switches, for use in larger robotic systems.
  6. RGB LEDs, Color Sensing, and Optoelectronics
    1. Experiment with RGB LEDs for color-based signaling and feedback in robots.
    2. Introduce color sensors and use optoelectronics to create robots that can follow colored lines or respond to colored objects.
  7. Transistor Amplifiers and Signal Processing
    1. Build transistor amplifiers for audio and other signal processing applications, using components like the LM386 audio amplifier.
    2. Explore biofeedback sensors and differential amplifiers to create simple muscle-controlled mechanisms or responsive sensor circuits.
  8. Advanced 555 Timer Applications
    1. Delve deeper into the 555 timer, exploring its use in siren circuits and frequency control for robotic sound and signal processing.
    2. Apply the 555 timer in frequency-based signaling or feedback systems for interactive robot designs.
  1. Introduction to Arduino Uno and Microcontrollers
    1. Getting to know the Arduino Uno: Atmega328P, USB, Shields
      1. Overview of the Arduino Uno microcontroller board, including the Atmega328P chip, USB connectivity for programming, and various shields used to extend functionality.
    2. Getting to know the Arduino Uno: Pins, power, clock
      1. Explanation of the different pins (digital, analog), power requirements (5V, 3.3V), and the Arduino clock system, including how to control timing with the microcontroller's internal clock.
  2. Using Digital and Analog Pins
    1. Using the digital output pins
      1. Demonstrating how to control digital output devices like LEDs using the digital pins.
    2. Using the digital input pins
      1. Reading the state of digital input devices like buttons or switches.
    3. Using the analog output pins (PWM)
      1. How to simulate analog output using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), commonly used for controlling motor speed or dimming LEDs.
    4. Using the analog input pins
      1. Reading analog signals such as from a potentiometer or sensor, and converting them to a usable value using Arduino's analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
  3. Introduction to Communications
    1. Serial (UART) communications
      1. How to communicate with a computer or other devices over serial (RS232) using Arduino's built-in serial port for debugging or data exchange.
    2. I²C (TWI) communications
      1. Introduction to I²C communication, how it works with multiple devices, and how to use it to interface with sensors like temperature or humidity sensors.
    3. SPI communications
      1. Overview of the SPI protocol for high-speed data exchange, commonly used for peripherals like displays, sensors, and SD cards.
  4. Introduction to Different Arduino Boards
    1. Introducing the Arduino Mega 2560, Due, Zero, 101, Pro Mini
      1. Exploring different boards in the Arduino family, understanding their features and differences, such as processing power, number of pins, and capabilities.
    2. Arduino-compatible boards
      1. Introduction to non-Arduino but Arduino-compatible boards (e.g., ESP8266, ESP32, and others) that offer additional functionalities like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
  5. Prototyping Basics
    1. Using the breadboard and jumper wires
      1. The importance of using breadboards and jumper wires for easy and quick prototyping without soldering.
    2. The essential tools for prototyping
      1. Tools like wire strippers, multimeters, and power supplies that are necessary for building and testing Arduino projects.
    3. Powering your Arduino
      1. How to power the Arduino using USB, external adapters, and battery packs, ensuring stable power for your projects.
    4. Introduction to soldering
      1. A detailed guide on using a soldering iron, proper soldering techniques, and handling breakout boards and headers.
  6. Arduino IDE and Programming Basics
    1. Introduction to the Arduino IDE
      1. How to install and configure the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment), which is used to write, compile, and upload code to your Arduino.
    2. Uploading sketches and programming
      1. Step-by-step instructions for writing a basic sketch, compiling it, and uploading it to the Arduino board.
    3. Understanding Arduino programming syntax
      1. The structure of an Arduino sketch, including setup(), loop(), and how to create functions.
  7. Sensors and Actuators
    1. Measuring light with a photoresistor
      1. How to use a photoresistor to measure light intensity and use the readings in projects like light-sensitive devices.
    2. Temperature, humidity, and pressure
      1. How to interface with DHT22, TMP36, BMP180, and other sensors to measure environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure.
    3. Detecting acceleration with the ADXL335
      1. How to detect movement or orientation changes using an accelerometer sensor.
    4. Infrared (IR) motion detection
      1. Using a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor to detect human movement and trigger actions like turning on an LED or activating an alarm.
  8. More Advanced Components
    1. Ultrasonic distance sensor
      1. Understanding how to measure distance using an ultrasonic sensor (e.g., HC-SR04) with principles of sound waves and calculating distance based on the time it takes for the wave to reflect.
    2. Sound sensing with microphones
      1. How to detect sound with both analog and digital sound sensors and use them for projects such as sound-activated lights or alarms.
    3. Buzzers and sound generation
      1. Using a buzzer to create different sounds, including music and alarm tones, controlled by the Arduino.
    4. LCDs (Liquid Crystal Display)
      1. Wiring and programming an LCD (16x2) to display sensor readings, messages, or other data. Also, how to interface it with an I²C module for easier wiring.
  9. Building Projects and Experiments
    1. Mini Projects
      1. Hands-on lessons like creating a color-changing LED system, building a light-sensitive device, or setting up a weather station with temperature and humidity sensors.
    2. Using libraries to control sensors and displays
      1. How to use external libraries to interface with sensors and simplify the code for interacting with more complex hardware (e.g., I2C-based devices).
    3. Project Debugging
      1. Using the Serial Monitor to debug projects, read sensor outputs, and diagnose issues in hardware or software.
  1. Robot Kinematics and Dynamics
    1. Forward and inverse kinematics
    2. Motion and types of movement: linear, rotational, angular
    3. Degrees of freedom (DOF) and their relevance in robotic systems
  2. Robot Control
    1. PID Controllers: Implementing Proportional-Integral-Derivative control systems
    2. Feedback loops in robotic control systems
    3. Motor control and precision in movement
  1. Building a Simple Robot
    1. Design and construct a robot from the ground up using basic electronics and Arduino
    2. Build a simple robot that can perform basic movements such as moving forward, turning, and avoiding obstacles
    3. Programming the robot to respond to sensors (e.g., ultrasonic sensors for distance detection)
  2. Autonomous Robotic Navigation
    1. Programming the robot to navigate autonomously using sensor input
    2. Implementing path-following algorithms (e.g., line following, wall following)
    3. Integrating AI for smarter decision-making in robots
  3. Hands-On Robotic Arm Project
    1. Build a simple robotic arm using servos and Arduino
    2. Program the arm to perform specific tasks such as picking and placing objects
  1. Introduction to 3D Printing
    1. What is 3D Printing?: Understanding the different types of 3D printers (FDM, SLA, SLS) and their applications in robotics
    2. 3D Design Software: Introduction to CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software (e.g., TinkerCAD, Fusion 360) for designing robot parts
    3. 3D Printing Process: Preparing models for printing, slicing, and selecting materials
  2. Designing Robot Casings and Parts
    1. Building Custom Parts: Designing and 3D printing custom robot casings, wheels, arms, and frames
    2. Fitting Components: How to design parts that will fit around your robot's sensors and actuators
    3. Material Selection: Choosing the right filament (PLA, ABS, etc.) for the robot's parts based on strength, durability, and functionality
  3. 3D Printing Activities
    1. Creating Your Own Robot Casings: Students will design and 3D print the casing for their robots
    2. Testing the Fit: Assembling the robot’s components and verifying fit and functionality
    3. Post-Processing: How to smooth, polish, and finish 3D printed parts for a professional look
  1. Types of Sensors in Robotics
    1. Proximity sensors (ultrasonic, infrared)
    2. Vision sensors (cameras, LIDAR, computer vision)
    3. Force and torque sensors
    4. Environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, gas, etc.)
  2. Sensor Fusion and Integration
    1. Combining sensor data for better robot perception
    2. Implementing algorithms to process and fuse sensor data for autonomous decision-making
  1. Machine Learning for Robotics
    1. Introduction to machine learning algorithms used in robotics (decision trees, neural networks, reinforcement learning)
    2. Training robots to make decisions and adapt to different environments
  2. Artificial Intelligence in Robotics
    1. Introduction to AI and its role in robotics (path planning, object detection, decision-making)
    2. Developing AI-driven robots capable of learning and improving over time
  1. Project 1: Building a Line-Following Robot
    1. Design, assemble, and program a robot that can follow a line on the ground using sensors
  2. Project 2: Robotic Arm Project
    1. Design and build a robotic arm capable of performing basic tasks (pick and place)
  3. Project 3: Autonomous Navigation Robot
    1. Develop a robot capable of autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance
  4. Final Project: Complete Robot Build
    1. Students will integrate everything learned in the course to create a fully functional robot. This could be an autonomous delivery robot, a healthcare assistance robot, or any other application.


Program Expectations

Course Expectations Summary
    1. Basic Electronics and Components
      1. Understanding core electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, and inductors, and their roles in circuits.
      2. Breadboarding and prototyping circuits with jumper wires, breadboards, and power supplies.
      3. Using the multimeter to measure voltage, current, resistance, and continuity, and diagnosing common circuit issues.
      4. Soldering components onto protoboards and breakout boards, ensuring safe and reliable connections.
      5. Selecting and using components like LEDs, photoresistors, thermistors, accelerometers, and sensors for building interactive projects.
    2. Arduino Fundamentals
      1. Getting to know the Arduino Uno and other Arduino boards, including power management, pins, clock, and digital/analog input/output.
      2. Programming basics in the Arduino IDE, understanding the structure of Arduino sketches, custom functions, and control structures (if, for, while, switch).
      3. Interfacing with sensors and actuators, including LEDs, motors, sensors (temperature, humidity, distance, light, pressure), and outputs like buzzers and displays.
    3. Communication Protocols
      1. Serial communication (UART) for communication between the Arduino and other devices.
      2. I²C and SPI communication protocols for connecting multiple devices like sensors and displays to Arduino.
      3. Wireless communication via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (if included in advanced sections), using modules like HC-05 or ESP8266.
    4. Building and Testing Circuits
      1. Powering the Arduino with USB, external adapters, or battery packs, and managing power consumption in circuits.
      2. Using the breadboard for temporary circuit building and testing.
      3. Using jumper wires to connect components on the breadboard and to the Arduino pins.
      4. Using external power sources for components requiring more power than the Arduino’s 5V supply.
    5. Advanced Arduino Programming
      1. Advanced control structures and techniques like arrays, loops, and interrupts for more complex logic.
      2. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) for controlling brightness (LEDs), speed (motors), or tone (buzzers).
      3. Libraries to control sensors, motors, and displays, simplifying code and extending functionality.
    6. Sensors and Actuators
      1. Temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors: Using DHT22, BMP180, TMP36, and MCP9808 for environmental data logging.
      2. Light sensors (photoresistor): Reading and interpreting light levels.
      3. Accelerometer sensors: Detecting motion or orientation using sensors like ADXL335.
      4. Distance sensors: Using ultrasonic sensors to measure distance.
      5. Sound sensors: Detecting noise levels with analog or digital microphones.
      6. RGB LED control for creating colors through PWM.
    7. Prototyping and Debugging
      1. Using the Arduino IDE to write, upload, and test code on the Arduino.
      2. Debugging and troubleshooting circuits, including checking connections, ensuring proper power supply, and using serial monitors for diagnostics.
    8. Practical Project Work
      1. Hands-on projects that integrate sensors, actuators, and communication protocols to build working prototypes.
      2. Mini-projects like controlling LEDs with a button, reading sensor data on an LCD, and creating color-changing lights with an RGB sensor.
      3. Capstone projects that involve more complex integration of sensors, actuators, and communication protocols, potentially leading to fully functional systems like weather stations or robotic systems.
    9. Safety and Best Practices
      1. Safety measures when working with electrical components, including handling power supplies, ensuring proper grounding, and wearing safety gear (like goggles for soldering).
      2. Proper circuit design to prevent shorts, overloading, or damaging components.
    10. Electronics in the Real World
      1. Understanding how these concepts apply to real-world systems such as IoT devices, home automation systems, robotics, and environmental monitoring.
      2. Introduction to making noise with buzzers and controlling sound output through Arduino.
    11. Goal of the Course:
      1. To equip students with both theoretical and practical knowledge in electronics and microcontroller programming, enabling them to design, build, and troubleshoot their own electronic circuits using Arduino boards and sensors.
      2. To foster the ability to create innovative projects that involve interacting with the physical world through sensing, controlling, and communicating with electronic components.
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