Robotics From Scratch Class Resources
This page contains all the resources for the 2025 Robotics class, including the class outline, essential files, and printable materials for each session.
Part 1: Python Fundamentals
Learning the basics of Python, a powerful yet easy-to-use programming language.
Part 2: Electronics Basics
Discover the fundamentals of electricity, electronics, components, wiring, and beyond.
Part 3: Hands-on Robotics
Get hands-on experience by building, coding, and personalizing your own robot.
- Part 1: Python Fundamentals
- Python Basics, Output, Data Types, and Variables
Covers: Python syntax, how to write and run programs in Thonny, using print statements, understanding primary data types (integers, floats, strings, booleans), and creating and using variables and user input.
Lesson 1 Slides
Lesson 1 Handout - Control Structures and Boolean Logic
Covers: Boolean expressions, logical and comparison operators, constructing conditional statements with if/elif/else, and practical examples of branching logic in Python programs. - Loops and Basic Data Structures
Covers: Using for and while loops to repeat instructions, common loop patterns, control keywords (break/continue), and working with data structures such as lists, dictionaries, tuples, and sets. - Functions, Libraries, and Practical Applications
Covers: Defining and calling functions, passing parameters and using return values, importing and utilizing external libraries (including math and time), and combining all concepts to build basic robotic program structures.
- Python Basics, Output, Data Types, and Variables
- Part 2: Electronics Basics
- Electricity Basics: Voltage, Current, Resistance, Capacitance, and Ohm’s Law
Covers: Foundations of electricity, including the definitions and roles of voltage, current, resistance, and capacitance; the relationship between these values using Ohm’s Law; practical measurement of electrical quantities; introduction to power calculation; and basic circuit safety concepts. - Components, Schematics, and Breadboard Layouts
Covers: Identification and function of core electronic components (resistors, capacitors, diodes, LEDs, switches, transistors); interpreting schematic symbols and reading circuit diagrams; translating schematics to physical breadboard configurations; hands-on assembly and troubleshooting techniques; and intro to technical datasheets. - Analog and Digital Electronics, Raspberry Pi Pico Introduction
Covers: Differences and practical uses of analog versus digital electrical values; how microcontrollers interface with analog and digital inputs/outputs; basics of Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM); mapping analog inputs (like potentiometers) to digital control; and introduction to the Raspberry Pi Pico’s features, pinout, MicroPython programming environment, and setup for controlling electronic components.
- Electricity Basics: Voltage, Current, Resistance, Capacitance, and Ohm’s Law
- Part 3: Hands-on Robotics
- Motors & Motor Drivers: Differential Drive Basics
Covers: How DC motors are controlled using H-bridge motor drivers; wiring and programming a two-motor differential drive base; testing forward, backward, and turning movements; observing drift and inaccuracies in open-loop systems; and exploring why feedback is necessary for precise motion. - Power Systems: Batteries, Voltage, and Motor Performance
Covers: The role of power systems in robotics, including different battery types (Li-ion, NiMH, alkaline) and their characteristics; measuring and distributing voltage and current; how motor performance changes with power levels; observing speed and torque differences; and understanding reliability issues in mobile robots from power variation. - IMU Orientation Feedback: Closed-Loop Control
Covers: Basics of IMUs as digital compasses; using I2C communication to gather orientation data; open-loop versus closed-loop systems; programming robots to maintain straight paths and accurate turns; and investigating how acceleration and surface friction affect heading accuracy. - Ultrasonic Sensing: Obstacle Detection and Avoidance
Covers: The principles of ultrasonic ranging, including sound echo timing and distance calculations; wiring and programming ultrasonic sensors; implementing simple stop-and-turn obstacle avoidance; exploring sensor limitations (angles, environmental materials); and building toward autonomous navigation behaviors. - Servo Motors: Adding a Robotic Arm
Covers: The operation of hobby servos controlled by pulse-width modulation (PWM); distinctions between continuous rotation servos and position-control servos; mounting and programming a servo arm on the robot; practicing sweep movements; and exploring actuator applications such as grippers, knockers, and manipulators. - Line-Following Sensors: Pattern Recognition in Robotics
Covers: Fundamentals of infrared reflectance sensing for light/dark surface detection; wiring and reading digital outputs from a basic line sensor; programming a robot to follow a taped track; testing sensor accuracy under different lighting conditions; and connecting line-following behavior to industrial and real-world robotics applications. - Engineering Design Principles: From Idea to Iteration
Covers: The engineering design cycle (idea, prototype, test, refine, iterate) and its role in robotics; emphasizing structured problem-solving and creativity; documenting designs and experimental results; analyzing failure as a means of progress; and preparing students to plan modifications for their final robot projects. - Final Projects: Student-Designed Robotics Demonstrations
Covers: Independent application of robotics, programming, and design principles; students create unique robot routines or challenges using the common base platform; integration of motors, sensors, and actuators explored throughout the course; opportunities for peer feedback and presentation; and reflection on what worked, what could improve, and next design steps. - Optional Soldering Workshop: Hands-On Electronics Assembly
Covers: Soldering equipment, safety, and techniques; creating reliable solder joints for headers, battery connectors, or wires; practice with small projects such as LED boards; comparing soldered versus breadboarded connections; and building confidence for future robotics and electronics projects.
- Motors & Motor Drivers: Differential Drive Basics