Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy: Software Foundations with Arduino ShieldBot (Adults)

Course Overview

This ongoing, once‑a‑week program introduces participants to programming, robotics, and software engineering through hands‑on projects with the Arduino ShieldBot. Designed for beginners, the course emphasizes planning, writing, and debugging code to control a robot. By combining theory with practical implementation, students develop foundational software concepts, integrate sensors, and create autonomous robot behaviors.

Through an iterative approach to planning, testing, and improvement, participants explore key topics such as open‑loop navigation, sensor integration, and camera‑based navigation. By the end of the course, students will have built and programmed a fully operational ShieldBot capable of solving real‑world challenges.

To earn a certificate, students must complete the projects according to the given specifications, which will be reviewed and approved by instructors before submission. Additionally, students must pass the final exam with a score of 70% or better to complete the course and earn their certification successfully. The cost for the certification is an additional $200.

Course Objectives

• Understand the software engineering process, including planning, testing, and iteration.
• Assemble and test the ShieldBot robot, focusing on mobility, power, and control subsystems.
• Write and debug Arduino programs to control motors, sensors, and cameras.
• Implement sensor‑based feedback systems to enable autonomous behaviors.
• Utilize camera‑based navigation to tackle complex challenges.
• Apply problem‑solving skills to design, test, and refine an autonomous robot.

Target Audience

• Adults interested in earning a Smart Manufacturing and Advanced Robotics Training (SMART) credential.
• Educators seeking to bring robotics into the classroom.
• Beginners with no prior experience who are eager to learn through hands‑on activities.

Prerequisites

No prior programming or robotics experience is required. Participants will need:

• Access to a ShieldBot kit (Arduino‑compatible board, sensors, motors, and PixyCam).
• A computer with the Arduino IDE installed and configured before the course begins.

Topics Covered

• Getting started with Arduino and the ShieldBot platform
• Component identification and basic hardware tests (LEDs, digital I/O)
• Subsystem assembly: mobility, power, and control
• Motor control and open‑loop navigation (timed movements and turns)
• Programming fundamentals: variables, conditionals, loops
• Introduction to sensors: whisker and light sensors
• Sensor integration and feedback‑driven behaviors
• Camera setup and configuration with PixyCam
• Blob detection and camera‑based navigation strategies
• Optimization, debugging, and resolving hardware conflicts
• Capstone: autonomous navigation and parking challenge
• Showcase: presentations, reflection, and real‑world applications

Format and Schedule

• Meeting Frequency: once or twice per week
• Schedule: you choose the day and time
• Pacing: continue weekly until completion (typically two to six months)
• Session Length: 1.5 hours per class

Learning Outcomes

• Gain hands‑on experience with Arduino programming and robotics.
• Integrate and utilize sensors, motor control, and camera‑based navigation.
• Develop problem‑solving skills through iterative planning, testing, and debugging.
• Complete an autonomous robot project and present the solution to peers.
• Build a strong foundation for future exploration in programming, robotics, and engineering.

Materials Provided

• ShieldBot kit: Arduino‑compatible board, sensors, motors, and PixyCam

Enroll Now! Spaces are limited—reserve your seat and learn at a comfortable weekly pace.