Course Overview

This 2-week immersive program introduces participants to the exciting world of programming, robotics, and software engineering through hands-on projects with the Arduino ShieldBot. Designed for beginners, the course emphasizes core skills such as planning, writing, and debugging code to control a robot. By combining theory with practical implementation, students will develop foundational software concepts, integrate sensors, and create autonomous robot behaviors.

Through an iterative approach to planning, testing, and improvement, participants will explore key topics, including 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.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will:

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

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Middle and high school students interested in programming and robotics.
• Educators looking to expand their technical knowledge and 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 (includes Arduino-compatible board, sensors, motors, and PixyCam).
• A computer with the Arduino IDE installed and configured before the course begins.

Course Schedule

Week 1: Foundations in Robotics and Programming

Day 1: Introduction to Arduino and ShieldBot

• Unpack and identify all components of the ShieldBot kit.
• Install the Arduino IDE and explore its programming environment.
• Perform basic hardware tests (e.g., blinking an LED, controlling digital outputs).

Day 2: Robot Subsystem Assembly

• Assemble the ShieldBot’s Mobility, Power, and Control subsystems.
• Test the robot’s drive motors and confirm basic movement functionality.
• Hands-on Activity: Write a simple program to drive the robot forward and make turns.

Day 3: Open-Loop Navigation

• Understand open-loop navigation (movement without feedback).
• Write and test programs for timed movements and turns.
• Refine programs to navigate simple paths and complete basic challenges.

Day 4: Introduction to Sensors

• Learn about ShieldBot sensors, including whisker and light sensors.
• Explore how to use sensor feedback in programs.
• Hands-on Activity: Program the ShieldBot to respond to touch input using whisker sensors.

Day 5: Sensor Integration and Debugging

• Understand programming fundamentals: variables, if/else logic, and loops.
• Program the ShieldBot to use light sensors for environmental sensing.
• Open Lab: Debug and improve sensor-based programs with instructor guidance.

Week 2: Advanced Navigation and Capstone Projects

Day 6: Camera-Based Navigation

• Attach and configure the PixyCam on the ShieldBot.
• Capture and analyze blob data for color and object detection.
• Hands-on Activity: Test and refine a Blob Detection Program.

Day 7: Camera Programming for Autonomous Tasks

• Write programs to navigate using camera data (e.g., centering on and approaching an object).
• Solve hardware conflicts and optimize camera-based navigation.
• Challenge: Complete the "Park in the Stall" task.

Day 8: Mini-Project: Sensing and Movement

• Design and prototype a program that combines sensor feedback and motor control.
• Test the ShieldBot in a simulated environment to solve a specific challenge.
• Receive peer and instructor feedback on designs.

Day 9: Final Project: Autonomous Navigation

• Plan and implement a program that integrates all learned concepts: sensors, loops, and camera navigation.
• Example Challenge: Navigate a course and park in a designated stall using a unique camera signature.
• Receive feedback and troubleshoot with the instructor.

Day 10: Final Presentations and Course Wrap-Up

• Present final projects and showcase ShieldBot capabilities.
• Participate in a class discussion on lessons learned and potential real-world applications of robotics and programming.
• Complete a post-course survey and receive a certificate of completion (if applicable).

Learning Outcomes

By completing this course, students will:

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

Materials Provided

• ShieldBot Kit: Includes an Arduino-compatible board, sensors, motors, and a PixyCam. A $300 value!