Starting Out in Robotics with the Microbit

Build a remote controlled robot powered by a BBC Microbit.

Learn how you can use automation and robotics in your projects on this highly enjoyable and educational course. Coding is through a simple visual blocks-based language where code is created by dragging and dropping.

By the end of the course, you will understand how to build your own remote controlled wheeled robot using the BBC micro:bit microcontroller. You will also learn about physical design, controlling electronics and programming robotic behaviours.

Course Outline

Level

For absolute beginners, suitable if you are completely new to programming. Students will be guided as needed to complete the programming tasks.

Suitable For

Adults, Teenagers, Kids

Description

Build a remote controlled robot powered by a BBC Microbit.

Detail

Anatomy of a Robot

We will examine a robot like the one you will build to understand the component parts.

Working with the Micro:bit

This small, cheap microcontroller will be the brains of the robot. You will plug it in and see how it works, creating a simple program to control some lights.

Selecting the Components

You will consider the mechanics and design the robot body. You will select from a range of body shapes and sizes, motor speeds and wheel sizes.

Assembling the Robot

You will assemble the robot, adding a motor controller board and wiring the components together.

Basic Programming

You will program your robot to make simple movements.

Remote Control

You will learn how to program another Micro:bit to work as a remote control using the radio function.

Tweaking, testing and optimisation

You will make changes and test the robot. Students working at a faster pace can add additional robot actions and enhancements.

Competition time!

Finally, pit your remote driving skills against other students and their robots in the obstacle course!

Other activities

If time permits students can add other components and sensors to their robot to extend its capabilities or add a gamepad to improve the remote control capabilities. Students can also customise the design of the robot.

Duration

10 hours (usually over 2 days)

Price

Prices depend on location. See individual dates for details.

Skills you will pick up in the course

Key skill categories

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to

Dates

Note that the course content may vary slightly from location to location. Please check the external link the exact course content.

Thu 04 Jul 24 to Fri 05 Jul 24

2 days 11:00AM-5:00PM

University of Arts London

External Link

This course can be customised and delivered for your group or organisation. Email me with your requirements and I will get back to you.

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