Asha Kanini

Robotics 1.0 Course Curriculum

S.No Topic Subtopic Detail/Content
1 Getting Started with CPX and CircuitPython 1.1 Recap the CPX Recap of the CPX board and its features.
1.2 Installing and using CircuitPython How to install CircuitPython on CPX and upload sample code.
1.3 Exploring the Mu editor and Python code structure Writing and running Python scripts using Mu editor.
1.4 Basic electronics Fundamental concepts of voltage, current, inputs and outputs.
2 Python and CircuitPython Fundamentals 2.1 Python basics Datatypes, variables, basic I/O, type conversion, adding comments and logs to code.
2.2 Control structures Conditional statements, loops (for, while), arithmetic and logical operators, negation.
2.3 Functions and code blocks Defining functions, parameters, return values.
2.4 Importing functions from another file Saving functions in a separate file and importing them into code.py.
2.5 Exception handling Using try & except blocks to handle exceptions in code
3 Built-in Sensors & Outputs on CPX 3.1 Light sensor (photoresistor) Detect brightness and trigger outputs based on light levels.
3.2 Temperature sensor Read ambient temperature and program conditional actions.
3.3 Sound sensor (microphone) Use sound input to trigger lights or motors.
3.4 Motion sensor (accelerometer) Detect movement and orientation to control behaviors.
3.5 Touch pads (capacitive touch) Trigger inputs by touching conductive surfaces.
3.6 Push buttons (A & B) User input for interaction, control modes, or starting actions.
3.7 Slide switch Use as a manual mode selector.
3.8 NeoPixel RGB LEDs Program colorful feedback and animations.
3.9 Built-in speaker Output tones and sound alerts based on sensor input.
4 External Sensors & Actuators with CPX 4.1 Connecting External Components Explain how to connect sensors and actuators to CPX using alligator clips; clarify analog vs digital signals.
4.2 IR Tracking / Avoid Sensor Introduce as a simple digital sensor; detect lines (black/white) or obstacles.
4.3 Servo Motor Introduce as a simple actuator to demonstrate controlled motion.
5 Getting Started with Crickit 5.1 Introduction to Crickit Overview of the Crickit board, its purpose, and how it integrates with CPX for robotics projects.
5.2 Crickit Hardware Components Breakdown of key components: motor ports, servo ports, sensor ports, drive port, power inputs.
5.3 Setting Up Crickit with CPX How to connect Crickit to CPX and prepare it for CircuitPython.
5.4 Powering Crickit How Crickit is powered and connection to external power sources for high-current devices.
5.5 Programming Crickit in CircuitPython Basic CircuitPython code to control motors, servos, read sensors, and use Crickit functions.
5.6 Using servo, DC, drive, signal I/O and other ports in Crickit Connect actuators and sensors to Crickit ports.
6 External Sensors with Crickit 6.1 Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Detect distances for collision avoidance or object tracking.
6.2 IR Tracking/Avoidance Sensor Using the IR sensor to follow lines or avoid obstacles.
6.3 Joystick Module Control servos motors or other devices using Joystick
6.4 Inductive Proximity Sensor Magnetic proximity detection.
6.5 Moisture Sensor Measure moisture conditions.
6.6 Color Sensor Detect colors for sorting or visual feedback.
6.7 Rain Sensor Detect rain drops.
6.8 Photoresistor (external sensor) Light-sensor-based control.
6.9 Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) Detect pressure or force applied.
7 Actuators and Outputs 7.1 Servo Motors Precisely control angles - ideal for arms and joints.
7.2 DC Motors Drive continuous rotation - used for wheels or fans.
7.3 Stepper Motor Controlled multi-step rotation.
7.4 Speakers Play tones and sound notifications.
7.5.1 Motion Types - Linear Straight-line movement using rack & pinion, gears, sliders.
7.5.2 Motion Types - Rotational Circular path movement using motors.
7.5.3 Motion Types - Gripper Open/close or grip mechanisms using servo motors.
7.5.4 Motion Types - 2DOF Arm 2-degree-of-freedom motion using servos.
7.6.1 External Power for Actuators - Need Understand why external power is required for high-current devices.
7.6.2 External Power - Relays Understand why external power is required for high-current devices.
7.6.3 External Power - Wiring & Safety Safe wiring and distribution practices.
7.7 Water pump Powering a water pump.
8 Project 8.1 Identifying Problems to Automate Think of everyday tasks or fun challenges that could be solved with a robot.
8.2 Designing the Robot Plan and design the robot: movement, sensors, motors, power, and chassis materials.
8.3 Exploring Sensors and Actuators Choose the right sensors (ultrasonic, motion, light) and actuators (motors, servos) for tasks.
8.4 Programming the Robot and Testing It Write code, test in different situations, and troubleshoot issues.
9 Additional Modules - Exploring new sensors and actuators 9.1 Learning to connect new sensors/actuators Try to connect any sensor or actuator (color sensor, speaker)