Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy: Autonomy Foundations

This 10-session course equips students with a practical understanding of how artificial intelligence shapes robotic perception and autonomy. Using the NVIDIA Jetson Nano and JetBot platform, participants will explore hands-on, real-world robotic capabilities such as networking, collision avoidance, path following, AprilTag navigation, and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping).

By the end of the program, students will have built and programmed an intelligent robotic system capable of operating autonomously, providing a strong foundation for further exploration in robotics and AI.

Developed by Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy

This course was developed by the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy (CMRA), a leader in robotics education. CMRA researches how educators can use robots to teach Computer Science, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (CS-STEM). Their mission is to create CS-STEM opportunities for all learners by developing research-based, classroom-tested solutions that foreground critical STEM concepts.

Course Schedule

Session 1: Getting Started with JetBot

• Introduction to the Jetson Nano and JetBot platform.
• Configure the JetBot, including network setup, software installation, and initial operation.
• Explore Jupyter Notebooks for programming and testing your robot.

Session 2: Basic Navigation with JetBot

• Understand motion control and basic navigation techniques.
• Write programs for precise turns and controlling individual motors.
• Mini-Challenges: 100cm Traverse and Lawnmower Pattern.

Session 3: Teleoperation and Remote Control

• Learn about teleoperation and operator-controlled navigation.
• Configure the JetBot for remote control using a network connection.
• Challenge: Structural Support Inspection.

Session 4: Basic IO and Sensors

• Explore sensors like GPIO, IMU, motor encoders, and IR cameras.
• Perform sensor integration and data collection.
• Mini-Challenges: Morse Code and Illuminated Environment Mapping.

Session 5: Collision Avoidance

• Learn the importance of data collection and labeling for AI training.
• Collect and train data for collision avoidance using supervised learning.
• Mini-Challenges: Figurine Safety and Collision Avoidance in Low Light.

Session 6: Path Following

• Understand regression techniques for path prediction.
• Perform data collection and training for path following.
• Mini-Project: Create a JetBot program that autonomously follows a path.

Session 7: AprilTag Navigation

• Explore AprilTags for localization and pose estimation.
• Calibrate the camera for AprilTag detection and configure ROS (Robot Operating System).
• Mini-Challenge: Navigate an AprilTag Maze.

Session 8: SLAM with JetBot

• Understand Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) techniques.
• Configure ROS and calibrate sensors (IMU, encoders) for mapping.
• Perform mapping and autonomous navigation in a simulated environment.

Session 9: Final Project Development

• Integrate all learned skills to build an autonomous robot system.
• Plan and develop a program that combines collision avoidance, path following, and AprilTag navigation.

Session 10: Final Presentations and Wrap-Up

• Demonstrate your JetBot’s capabilities in a final challenge.
• Reflect on lessons learned and discuss real-world applications of autonomous robotics.
• Celebrate your achievements with a certificate of completion (if applicable).

Course Highlights

• Hands-On Robotics: Work directly with the NVIDIA Jetson Nano and JetBot platform to apply AI concepts.
• Step-By-Step Learning: Build your skills progressively, mastering each topic before moving on.
• Real-World Applications: Explore how AI and robotics are used in industries like logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare.
• Problem-Solving and Creativity: Develop critical thinking skills while solving challenges with your robot.

Who Should Join?

This course is perfect for:

• Middle and high school students interested in robotics, AI, and programming.
• Beginners eager to learn autonomous robotics concepts and techniques.