Advanced Robotics
Ready to level up? Transition from block-based coding to real programming languages like C++ and Python. Learn electronics, 3D design, and build robots from scratch—just like the pros! This intensive 4-week program provides the skills needed for high school robotics teams and advanced STEM competitions.
Program Overview
4 Weeks
5 days/week, 90 min sessions
Text-Based Code
C++ and Python programming
Pro Tools
Arduino, Raspberry Pi, CAD
What Your Child Will Learn
Daily Activities
- • Learn about microcontrollers and their architecture
- • Build basic circuits with breadboards
- • Write first C++ programs for Arduino
- • Introduction to Python for Raspberry Pi Pico
- • Control LEDs, buttons, and basic sensors
Electronics & Microcontrollers
Students dive into the fundamentals of electronics and microcontroller programming. They learn about voltage, current, resistance, and how to safely build circuits. Through hands-on projects, they program Arduino boards using C++ and Raspberry Pi Pico using Python.
This week bridges the gap from visual block-based programming to text-based code. Students discover how professional roboticists write code, debug programs, and interact with hardware at a low level.
Key Skills Developed
- • Understanding of electronics fundamentals
- • C++ and Python syntax and structure
- • Circuit building and debugging
- • Microcontroller programming basics
Motors & Robot Movement
The second week focuses on making robots move. Students learn about different motor types (DC, servo, stepper), how to control them with microcontrollers, and build the circuits needed for motor control. They program precise movements and autonomous navigation.
Through increasingly complex challenges, students integrate sensors with motor control to create robots that can navigate autonomously, avoid obstacles, and follow lines—all programmed in C++ or Python.
Key Skills Developed
- • Motor types and control strategies
- • H-bridge circuits and motor drivers
- • Sensor integration (ultrasonic, IR, encoders)
- • Autonomous navigation algorithms
Daily Activities
- • Study different motor types and applications
- • Build H-bridge motor control circuits
- • Program precise robot movements
- • Integrate distance and line-following sensors
- • Create autonomous navigation programs
Daily Activities
- • Learn CAD software (Tinkercad, Onshape)
- • Design custom robot parts and brackets
- • 3D print student-designed components
- • Learn design for manufacturing principles
- • Iterate on designs based on testing
CAD Design & 3D Printing
Students enter the world of mechanical design, learning industry-standard CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. They design custom robot parts, mounts, and chassis components that will be 3D printed for use in their final robots.
This week teaches the iterative design process—create, test, analyze, and improve. Students learn design constraints, material properties, and how to optimize their designs for both functionality and manufacturability.
Key Skills Developed
- • CAD software proficiency (Tinkercad, Onshape)
- • 3D modeling and design principles
- • Understanding of manufacturing constraints
- • Iterative design and testing methodology
Integration & Final Challenge
The final week brings everything together. Students design and build complete robots from scratch, integrating all the skills they've learned: electronics, programming, mechanical design, and system integration. They work on increasingly complex challenges that require creative problem-solving.
The week culminates in a final challenge where students compete with their robots and present their designs, explaining their technical decisions and demonstrating their robots' capabilities to peers and parents.
Key Skills Developed
- • System integration and debugging
- • Project management and planning
- • Technical presentation skills
- • Competition and collaboration experience
Daily Activities
- • Design complete robot systems
- • Integrate electronics, code, and mechanics
- • Debug complex multi-system problems
- • Compete in final challenge
- • Present designs and technical decisions
Prerequisites
This advanced program is designed for students who have:
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Completed block-based robotics programs - LEGO SPIKE Prime, EV3, or similar experience required
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Strong programming fundamentals - Understanding of loops, conditionals, variables, and functions
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Interest in advanced robotics - Desire to join high school robotics teams or pursue competitive STEM programs
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8th-9th grade students - Program designed for students transitioning to high school
Program Details
Schedule & Format
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Duration: 4 weeks intensive
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Schedule: 5 days/week, 90 minutes per session
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Age Range: 8th-9th grade
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Class Size: Small groups for hands-on instruction
What's Included
- All electronics components and materials
- Arduino and Raspberry Pi Pico boards
- Access to 3D printers and CAD software
- Expert instruction and mentorship
- Students bring: Laptop with WiFi capability
More Details Coming Soon!
We're developing the curriculum and schedule for this advanced program. Check back soon for complete details on dates, registration, and full course outline, or contact us to express interest.