Robotics Automation

Week 1: Electronics & Logic Fundamentals

• Introduction to Microcontrollers: Exploring the Arduino Uno anatomy; understanding digital vs. analog pins and the basics of breadboarding in a virtual space.

• Circuit Basics: Simulating current flow with LEDs, resistors, and pushbuttons; calculating resistance using Ohm’s Law ($V = I \times R$).

• The “Brain” of the Robot: Introduction to the Tinkercad Codeblocks (Scratch-style) and Text (C++) editors; writing “Blink” and “Traffic Light” logic.

• Sensors (The Eyes): Integrating an Ultrasonic Distance Sensor and an LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) to read environmental data.

• Actuators (The Muscles): Controlling a Servo Motor for precise angles and a DC Motor with an H-Bridge (L293D) for directional movement.

Week 2: Basic Robot Development & Automation

• Decision-Making Logic: Implementing if-else statements and while loops to create reactive behaviors (e.g., “If distance < 10cm, stop”).

• Autonomous Navigation: Building a virtual Obstacle Avoiding Robot circuit using ultrasonic sensors and dual DC motors.

• Feedback Systems: Using the Serial Monitor for debugging sensor values and integrating a Piezo buzzer for audio alerts.

• Advanced Simulation (Sim Lab): Using Tinkercad’s “Sim Lab” to test gravity, collisions, and mechanical linkages (gears and axles) on your 3D robot chassis.

• The “Smart Rover” Project:

  • Phase 1: Design a custom 3D chassis.

  • Phase 2: Wire the Arduino, motors, and sensors.

  • Phase 3: Program the bot to follow light or navigate a maze autonomously.

• Capstone Demo: Presenting a recorded simulation of your robot performing a specific task (e.g., delivering an item or parking itself).