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 the 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 Exception handling Using try and except blocks to handle exceptions in code.
2.5 Arrays Storing and accessing a collection of values, and using them to drive outputs.
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 behaviours.
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 colourful 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 Setting Up Crickit with CPX How to connect Crickit to CPX and prepare it for CircuitPython.
5.3 Powering Crickit How Crickit is powered, and connection to external power sources for high-current devices.
5.4 Programming Crickit in CircuitPython Basic CircuitPython code to control motors and servos, read sensors, and use Crickit functions.
5.5 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 Follow lines or avoid obstacles.
6.3 Joystick Module Control servo motors or other devices using a joystick.
6.4 Inductive Proximity Sensor Magnetic proximity detection.
6.5 Moisture Sensor Measure moisture conditions.
6.6 Rain Sensor Detect rain drops.
6.7 Photoresistor (external) Light-sensor-based control.
6.8 Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) Detect pressure or force applied.
6.9 Limit Switch Detect an end position or travel limit in a moving mechanism.
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.
7.6.1 External Power for Actuators - Need Understand why external power is required for high-current devices.
7.6.2 External Power - Relays Using relays for control.
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 3D Printing 9.1 Introduction to 3D Printing What 3D printing is and how an object is built up layer by layer.
9.2 Applications of 3D Printing Where 3D printing is used in industry, medicine, education and prototyping.
9.3 Common 3D Model File Formats The file formats used to describe a 3D model for printing.
9.4 STL and 3MF File Formats Understanding the STL and 3MF formats and how they differ.
9.5 Installing Anycubic Slicer Next Installing and setting up the slicer software.
9.6 Understanding the 3D Printing Workflow The complete workflow from model to printed object.
9.7 Downloading Models from Printables Finding and downloading ready-made models.
9.8 Importing STL Files Importing an STL file into the slicer.
9.9 Basic Editing Tools Scaling, rotating and positioning a model before printing.