Title: Introduction to Robotics with Hands-On Projects

Target Audience: High school and undergraduate STEM students.

Duration: 4 weeks (12 sessions, 2 hours per session).

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will:

• Understand the basics of robotics, electronics, and programming.
• Learn to design, build, and program robots.
• Complete three robotics projects: Line Follower Robot, Edge Avoider Robot, and Mobile-Controlled Robot.
• Develop skills in troubleshooting and innovation.

Course Modules

Module 1: Robotics Fundamentals (Week 1)

Session 1: Introduction to Robotics

• What is robotics?
• Applications of robotics in STEM.
• Overview of robotics hardware and software.

Session 2: Introduction to Components

• Hardware: Motors, wheels, chassis, sensors (IR, ultrasonic), and microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino).
• Software: Arduino IDE and basics of C/C++ programming.
• Hands-on: Assemble a basic robot chassis.

Module 2: Line Follower Robot (Week 2)

Session 3: Understanding the Line Follower Robot

• Problem Statement: Build a robot that can follow a black or white line on the ground.
• Concepts: IR sensors, motor drivers (e.g., L298N), and PID control.
• Circuit Design: Connecting IR sensors and motor drivers to Arduino.

Session 4: Building and Programming

• Code: Calibrating sensors and writing a line-following algorithm.
• Testing: Adjusting sensor thresholds and testing robot movement.
• Outcome: A robot that follows a defined path.

Module 3: Edge Avoider Robot (Week 3)

Session 5: Understanding the Edge Avoider Robot

• Problem Statement: Build a robot that avoids falling off edges (e.g., table edges).
• Concepts: Ultrasonic sensors and distance measurement.
• Circuit Design: Interfacing ultrasonic sensors with Arduino.

Session 6: Building and Programming

• Code: Writing logic to stop or turn the robot when an edge is detected.
• Testing: Placing the robot on different surfaces to check edge avoidance.
• Outcome: A robot that navigates safely without falling.

Module 4: Mobile-Controlled Robot (Week 4)

Session 7: Understanding Mobile-Controlled Robots

• Problem Statement: Control a robot using a smartphone.
• Concepts: Bluetooth module (e.g., HC-05), communication protocols, and control signals.
• Circuit Design: Connecting Bluetooth module and motors.

Session 8: Building and Programming

• Code: Writing Arduino code to process Bluetooth commands.
• Mobile App: Setting up a mobile app (e.g., Arduino Bluetooth Controller) for control.
• Testing: Sending commands to control robot movement via mobile.
• Outcome: A robot controlled by a smartphone app.

Additional Activities

Session 9-10: Debugging and Integration

• Review common issues in hardware connections and programming.
• Combine all features to create a multifunctional robot.

Session 11: Project Demonstration and Competitions

• Students present and demonstrate their robots.
• Challenges: Obstacle course or line-following race.

Session 12: Wrap-Up and Future Scope

• Recap: Key takeaways from the course.
• Discuss advancements in robotics: AI integration, IoT-based robots.
• Career and academic opportunities in robotics.

Course Materials

Hardware Kits:

• Arduino board (UNO or Nano).
• Motor driver (L298N).
• IR sensors, ultrasonic sensors, Bluetooth module (HC-05).
• Wheels, motors, chassis, jumper wires, and batteries.
• Software:

Arduino IDE.

• Mobile apps for robot control (e.g., Arduino Bluetooth Controller).

Assessment Criteria

• Practical Demonstration (60%)
• Code and Circuit Design Documentation (30%)
• Participation and Teamwork (10%)