Robotics 1.0 Lesson Plan
Lesson 27: Build a bot - Building the prototype

Purpose: Build the physical prototype of an automatic garbage sorting robot based on a given reference design

No. of Classes

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

Materials Required

Circuit Playground Express (CPX), Crickit board, USB cable, 5v Battery

Rain sensor

Inductive proximity sensor

IR sensor

Stepper motor

Jumper wires

Foam board

Cups or containers for sorting bins

Screws, nuts, zip ties and tape for mounting

Curriculum Content

8.1 Identifying Problems to Automate

8.2 Designing the Robot

8.3 Exploring Sensors and Actuators

9.1 Learning to connect new sensors/actuators
Prior Knowledge

Basic understanding of sensors and actuators used in earlier lessons

Familiarity with CPX and Crickit boards and basic wiring

Experience assembling simple robotic structures and mounting components

Exercises

Exercise 1:


Reference Prototype


Build the garbage sorter prototype. Add the following sensors and actuators to the prototype:


  • Rain sensor for detecting wet waste. Click here to learn more about the rain sensor

  • Inductive proximity sensor for detecting metal objects. Click here to learn more about the Inductive Proximity sensor

  • IR sensor for object presence and positioning. Recall the working of the IR sensor from previous lessons

  • Stepper motor for controlled sorting movement. Click here to learn more about the stepper motor

    • Exercise 2:


    Connect the various sensors and actuators to the CPX+Crickit using the connection diagrams linked:

  • Click here to view the connections for rain sensor

  • Click here to view the connections for Inductive Proximity sensor

  • Click here to view the connections for Stepper motor

    • Solution


  • Click here to view the solution video explaining the construction of a sample prototype and the various connections
    • Teacher’s Instructions
    1. Explain that this lesson focuses on physically building the prototype based on a given reference design.
    2. Walk students through the reference garbage sorting robot and explain its overall working flow.
    3. Discuss the role of each sensor used in the prototype
    4. Explain why a stepper motor is used and how precise movement is important for sorting.
    5. Guide students on correct placement, alignment, and secure mounting of sensors and motors.
    6. Encourage students to compare the reference prototype with their own build and identify any differences.
    7. Discuss common build challenges such as unstable structures, sensor misalignment, or objects getting stuck.
    8. Ask students to compare the design template they filled with the prototype they have built
    9. Will adding more number and type of sensors improve the performance and accuracy of your robot? Discuss
    10. If your garbage sorter is deployed in real life, what challenges do you anticipate?