Intro to Robotics Course: Build a Raspberry Pi + Python Robot

The Intro to Robotics program starts at the very beginning teaching you how to work with electronic components, build circuits, use a Raspberry Pi, and write code in Python. As the lessons go on you'll learn to use increasingly complex electronic components, advanced code commands, and finally build a fully mobile robot. Our goal is to bring a hobby robotics school to your home where you can work through a Raspberry Pi and Python robotics class at your own pace. To see a detailed scope and sequence for this course, click here.

• Learn how electricity and electronic equipment works
• Learn to properly use common electronic components that make up circuits including breadboards, batteries, LEDs, resistors, jumper wires, and switches
• Build both series and parallel circuits and understand how to use Ohm's Law when designing circuits
• Practice systematic troubleshooting techniques including half-splitting
• Learn to read schematic drawings
• Learn to use a Raspberry Pi (a mini computer) including connecting it to peripherals (keyboard, mouse, etc.) as well as downloading files and software updates
• Learn to use several included software packages including the Raspberry Pi OS, Nano, and Thonny
• Learn to to create basic Python programs including comments, merging strings, user input, mathematical functions, lists, if/else statements, and loops to control electronic circuits and create games
• Learn to identify and correct errors in Python computer programs
• Work administratively with files, folders, and directories
• Continue to expand coding knowledge to include functions, advanced list commands, logical operators, while true loops, advanced string techniques, try/except/finally, and multithreaded operations
• Understand pulse width modulation
• Learn to work with new types of switches, a matrix-style keypad, potentiometers, phototransistors, infrared sensors, RFID readers, temperature sensors, an I2C display, and ultrasonic range sensors
• Learn to use Github and adjust for various versions of Python
• Work with an analog-to-digital converter integrated circuit
• Expand project flexibility with networking and remote access
• Write Bash scripts and using Bash programming
• Use microphones, speakers, audio amplifiers, and audio software
• Work with servo motors to add movement to projects
• Multiple methods for gathering data from internet feeds and databases including API data access as well as how to use data in projects
• Work with accelerometers and gyros to allow for multi-axis measurements in projects
• Use relays to control high-powered devices
• Create your own Graphical User Interface (GUI) using the popular module Tkinter to create a user-friendly interface for programs and display data
• Build a web server using popular server softwares like Bottle and Apache to add web page control to projects
• Use a camera to gather data and see real-time events
• Learn to protect and recover operating files and project data
• Use a digital multimeter (included in kit)
• Construct the robot chassis including wheels, motor mounts, and motors
• Control the robot remotely via VNC
• Add and configure various sensors, an audio amplifier, and speaker on the robot
• Use a camera to collect information and see the world from the robot's point of view
• Set up the mobile power system including gaining understanding of benefits and drawbacks of various battery power options
• Learn to drive and troubleshoot motors through code including coordinating multiple motors
• Set up keyboard control of robot while accounting for focus, keypress, and repeat rate issues
• Build a webpage and use CGI scripts to control the robot remotely
• Use a web page to view video generated by the robot and trigger the robot to play audio files
• Continue to improve troubleshooting skills for both electronic circuits and computer programs
• Continue to gain the skills to independently tackle advanced projects found online
• Gain the skills to systematically plan large projects including identifying needed functionality, part compatibility, and keep appropriate documentation

Curious to see the online, self-paced Intro to Robotics classes in action? Click here to see sample video lessons, activity instructions, and more.

In addition to the Online Classroom access and equipment kits you receive when ordering this course, you will also need:

• Internet Access and an Electronic Device to Use to Access the Online Classroom (course lessons, including videos, are provided via the online classroom so high speed internet access is needed; we do not recommend attempting to use the online classroom with a phone due to the small screen size)
• Computer Monitor (a television can also be used provided it has HDMI inputs, please note, a laptop computer will not work for this purpose)
• HDMI cable (likely attached to your computer monitor)
• AA Batteries x2 (these are used in Lessons A-1 to A-9 to power circuits prior to learning to use the Raspberry Pi)
• Keyboard and Mouse (please use a USB wired keyboard and mouse if possible. Wireless models do not work reliably with the Raspberry Pi. We suggest purchasing the least costly wired USB mouse and keyboard set available--there is typically an option available on Amazon for $15-$20)
• A Desktop Computer, Laptop, or Chromebook (this can be the same device used to access the online classroom; in Level C this is used in networking lessons)
  
• Anti-Static Mat (highly recommended to prevent damage to more sensitive equipment such as the Raspberry Pi camera; Amazon typically has an option available for under $25)
  
• AA Batteries x6 (these are used to power the robot in Level D; we recommend rechargeable batteries)
• 9v Battery
• USB Drive (minimum 4 gb)
• Electrical Tape (used in Level D to build a track on the floor for the robot to follow; use black electrical tape if you have light colored flooring, use white electrical tape if you have dark colored flooring)
• USB to SD Card Adapter (optional; Lesson D-1 activity shows students how to back up their SD card to their computer)

This robotics course includes four levels with 18 lessons in each level:

• Level A: 45-60 minutes per lesson
• Level B: 60-90 minutes per lesson
• Level C: 90-120 minutes per lesson
• Level D: 90-120 minutes per lesson

We recommend aiming to complete 1-2 lessons per week. A single level will take 9-18 weeks to complete depending on lesson frequency.

We are thrilled to help! Contact us via email and we will help you get back on the right track.

Yes! The Raspberry Pi operating system tends to change fairly regularly. Sometimes the changes are minor, such as moving a menu item, and sometimes the changes are major, such as process changes. As we learn of changes to the Raspberry Pi OS, modules, repository libraries or any other resources used in the course, we will update the online classroom ASAP. When accessing the materials through the online classroom, you will always have access to the most up-to-date version of the lesson materials.

We teach Python for a couple of reasons:

• Python is currently the fastest growing computer language. Companies such as YouTube, Dropbox, Google, Quora, Instagram, Spotify, Reddit, and Yahoo Maps used Python to build their platforms. While programming languages tend to come and go over time, Python is well rooted and is likely to be a popular language for many years.
• Python is particularly well suited to beginners. The code is intuitive and easy to read. It also requires far fewer lines of code to accomplish tasks compared to other popular languages such as C++ and Java.
• Learning Python first makes it easier to move on to other more complicated languages such as Ruby and Javascript. Have you ever heard that knowing Spanish makes it easier to learn French because they are both based in Latin? The same general principle applies to learning computer programming languages.