1. Introduction to Robotics
1.1 History and Evolution
- Early Robotics: Explore the origins of robotics, from ancient automata to early 20th-century robots.
- Modern Robotics: Discuss significant milestones in robotics development, including industrial robots and modern AI-driven robots.
- Future Trends: Predict future advancements and potential impacts of robotics on society.
1.2 Basic Concepts
- Definition of a Robot: Understand what constitutes a robot and the various types of robots (e.g., industrial, service, medical).
- Applications of Robotics: Explore how robots are used in different fields such as manufacturing, healthcare, space exploration, and everyday life.
2. Fundamentals of STEM in Robotics
2.1 Science
- Physics: Basic principles such as force, motion, and energy as they apply to robotics.
- Electronics: Introduction to circuits, components (resistors, capacitors, transistors), and their roles in robotics.
2.2 Technology
- Programming Languages: Basics of Scratch for beginners and Python for more advanced students.
- Software Tools: Introduction to software used in robotics, such as Arduino IDE and robotics simulation tools.
2.3 Engineering
- Mechanical Design: Basics of designing robot structures, understanding gears, levers, and linkages.
- Sensors and Actuators: Types of sensors (e.g., ultrasonic, infrared) and actuators (e.g., motors, servos) and their functions.
2.4 Mathematics
- Geometry: Understanding shapes, angles, and their applications in robot design.
- Algebra: Basic algebraic concepts used in programming and controlling robots.
3. Hands-on Projects and Activities
3.1 Building Simple Robots
- Robot Kits: Using kits like LEGO Mindstorms or VEX Robotics to build basic robots.
- Assembly Skills: Learning to follow instructions and assemble robot parts correctly.
3.2 Programming Robots
- Basic Programming: Writing simple programs to control robot movements using block-based coding (Scratch).
- Advanced Programming: Introduction to text-based coding (Python) for more complex tasks.
3.3 Problem-Solving Challenges
- Creative Tasks: Engaging in challenges that require innovative solutions, such as maze navigation or object retrieval.
- Team Projects: Collaborating in teams to design and build robots for specific tasks.
4. Advanced Robotics Concepts
4.1 Sensors and Actuators
- Types of Sensors: Detailed study of different sensors and their applications in robotics.
- Actuator Mechanisms: Understanding how different actuators work and how to control them.
4.2 Autonomous Robots
- Navigation: Basics of robot navigation, including path planning and obstacle avoidance.
- Autonomy: Introduction to autonomous decision-making and simple AI algorithms.
4.3 Robotics and AI
- Machine Learning: Basic concepts of machine learning and how it can be applied to robotics.
- AI Applications: Examples of AI in robotics, such as speech recognition and computer vision