Intro to Robotics Complete Online Course

The Intro to Robotics program starts at the very beginning teaching you how to work with electrical components, build circuits, use a Raspberry Pi, and write code in Python. As the lessons go on you'll learn to use increasingly complex electrical components, advanced code commands, and finally build a fully mobile robot.

• Learn how electricity and electrical equipment work
• Learn to properly use common electrical 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 Raspbian 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 electrical 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 electrical 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 an Intro to Robotics lessons in action?

• Click here to see sample video lessons, activity instructions, a detailed scope and sequence and more

In addition to the Online Classroom and Levels A-D parts kits, you will 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 wired keyboard and mouse if possible. Wireless models do not work reliably with the Raspberry Pi. Visit the Level A Resource List for a list of inexpensive keyboard and mouse options)
• A Desktop Computer, Laptop, or Chromebook (this can be the same device the student is using 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; click here to find one at a bargain price; this is particularly needed in Level C)
• AA Batteries x6 (these are used to power the robot in Level D; we recommend rechargeable batteries, click here to learn more)
• 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, click here to see links to adapters)

There are 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.

Please note, as the concepts taught in Levels B, C, and D are more complex than Level A, parents of younger students should consider slowing down lesson frequency to perhaps once per week. This would allow the student to complete the lesson more than once if needed and to practice the new skills prior to moving on to the next lesson.

Middle school students should aim to complete Levels A and B in 1+ school year and Levels C and D in 1-2 school years (we strongly encourage moving at your child's individual pace--there's plenty of time to complete all four levels!) Middle school student may also find it helpful to only complete Levels A and B in during middle school and save Levels C and D for high school.

High school students can aim to complete A-D over the course of a school year if desired. Extra time outside of lessons should be built in to allow the student to practice skills between lessons. We recommend high school students schedule 4-5 hours a week to complete all four levels in a single school year.

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

Also, please head on over to Facebook and join the 42 Electronics User Group. It's a great place for current or perspective users to ask questions, get project ideas, and connect with other families using the Intro to Robotics program.

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.

Our kits include a Raspberry Pi 3B as it is by far the best model for electronics and robotics projects. We do get questions from users about the newly released Raspberry Pi 4 however it's important to understand that newer isn't always better. Which model will best suit your needs is largely dependent on what you will use the Pi for (robotics projects vs. a personal computer replacement for example) and also your personal skill level. The primary issue with a Pi4 is that it has very high power requirements. It needs to be plugged into a wall as a standard battery pack won't meet it's needs. It really isn't any fun to have a robot that has to be plugged in though. Click here to read more about the differences between the Pi 3B and the Pi 4 including why the Pi 3B is a superior choice for electronics and robotics projects, especially for beginner and intermediate users.

• Click here to purchase an additional component kit.
• If you need to replace a part or want to have extras on hand, click here to purchase replacement parts.
• If you are looking to use this program in a group setting, schools and co-ops click here for institutional ordering and pricing information.

Homeschooling parents frequently choose to use Intro to Robotics as a STEM elective. Click here to find detailed information on using Intro to Robotics in your homeschool.