Robotics 1.0 Lesson Plan
Lesson 26: Build a Bot - Design

Purpose: Plan and design an automatic garbage sorting robot by defining the problem, sketching a design and selecting the required sensors, actuators, and materials.

No. of Classes

1 class (Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes; maximum of 4 students per group).

Materials Required

Design worksheet (printed or digital)

Pencil, eraser, ruler

Reference images or videos of garbage sorting robots

Curriculum Content

8.1 Identifying Problems to Automate

8.2 Designing the Robot

8.3 Exploring Sensors and Actuators
Prior Knowledge

Basic understanding of robots, sensors, and actuators

Familiarity with CPX and Crickit components

Experience from earlier hands-on robotics lessons

Exercises

Download the design template and fill each section based on the instructions in the exercise

Exercise 1:


  • Problem Definition

    • Understand the problem you are trying to solve.

    Discuss why garbage sorting is important and what the robot should do.

    Decide what types of waste the robot should identify and separate.


    Exercise 2:


  • Design and Sketch the Robot

    • Draw how your garbage sorting robot will look.

    Label major parts such as sensors, motors, bins, and the controller.

    Think about how garbage will enter, get detected, and be sorted.


    Exercise 3:


  • Choose Sensors, Actuators, and Materials

    • List the sensors needed (for example: color sensor, IR sensor, ultrasonic sensor).

    List the actuators needed (for example: servo motors, DC motors).

    List other materials such as chassis, bins, wires, and power supply.

    Solution


    The teacher will discuss a sample filled design template and explain design choices.

  • Click here to view the sample filled design template
  • Click here to view the solution video for this lesson
    • Teacher’s Instructions
    1. Explain that this lesson focuses only on planning and design, not building.
    2. Guide students to clearly define the problem before thinking about solutions.
    3. Encourage simple, clear sketches instead of complex drawings.
    4. Ask students to justify why they chose specific sensors and actuators.
    5. Discuss that designs often change later during building and coding.
    6. Share a sample design and explain trade-offs and design decisions.
    7. Is one sensor enough, or would combining multiple sensors make the robot smarter?
    8. Think about possible failure or negative scenarios for your robot, such as wrong sensor readings, garbage getting stuck, power issues or unexpected objects. Discuss these scenarios