Session 1: Foundations
- Overview: REV DUO, safety, tools
- Strength, stability, balance
- Mini-project: Stable rectangular base
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy: Mechanical Foundations
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Mastering Mechanical Design and Robotics with Hands-On REV DUO Projects
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Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy: Mechanical Foundations
Class Meeting Schedule: Mondays 6:00 - 7:30
Class Size: 1 to 4 students. Additional instructors will be brought in as needed to provide guidance to new students and maintain a high-quality learning experience for all students.
Total Duration: 3-6 months.
The course is project-based, allowing students to focus on hands-on learning. For students who watch the videos at home, come prepared to class, and complete the projects on time, the course can be completed in as little as 3–4 months with a commitment of 1.5 hours per week in class. To earn a certificate, students must complete the projects according to the given specifications, which will be reviewed and approved by instructors before being uploaded. Project completion time varies by age, manual dexterity, and attention span. Additionally, students must pass the final exam with a score of 70% or better to complete the course and earn their certification.
Group Discount: 10% (2–3 members) and 25% (4 members).
New students are always welcome. Because each student works at their own pace, it’s easy to add newcomers at any time.
The Mechanical Foundations with REV DUO course equips participants with essential mechanical skills and hands-on experience to design, construct, and maintain robotic systems. Using the REV DUO kits, participants explore the principles of structure, motion, power transmission, and drivetrains through engaging projects and challenges. This course is part of the SMART Robotics Technician Program, endorsed by the ARM Institute.
12-Session Robotics Course (REV DUO)
Structured progression from structural design to drivetrains, with hands-on builds and assessments.
Session 2: Reinforcement & CoG
- Gussets, triangles, cross-bracing
- Center of gravity and tipping
- Activity: Reinforce base; tipping tests
Session 3: 3D Structures
- Frames to 3D assemblies
- Joint integrity, fastener torque
- Mini-challenge: Load-tested 3D build
Session 4: Project — Riverbed Crane
- Requirements, sketch, build
- Lift/move over “riverbed”
- Test: strength, stability, balance
Session 5: Motion Basics
- Torque, speed, power trade-offs
- Transmission overview
- Mini-project: Motorized fan
Session 6: Gears & Sprockets
- Simple/compound gear trains
- Chains, sprockets, tensioning
- Activity: Tune for speed vs torque
Session 7: Optimized Lifting
- Combine gears/chains/sprockets
- Backdriving, staged reductions
- Upgrade: Riverbed Crane lift system
Session 8: Drivetrains
- Chassis, wheelbase, weight
- Motors, wheels, gearboxes
- Mini-project: 2-motor drivetrain
Session 9: Advanced Drives
- Omni vs traction vs mecanum
- Turning dynamics, scrub
- Mini-challenge: Obstacle ramp
Session 10: Project — Obstacle Drive
- Custom drivetrain for terrain
- Measure climb angle, speed
- Quiz: drivetrain principles
Session 11: Integration
- Intro to sensors/encoders
- Cable management, reliability
- Add safety/control feature
Session 12: Capstone
- Combine lift + mobility challenge
- Testing, data, presentation
- Reflection and next steps
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