Class Description
Step into the ultimate robotics challenge: design and build a battle bot from the ground up. Students will create custom 3D-printed bots, engineer advanced mechanisms, and level up their electronics skills with Arduino coding and programming. Take your bot through cycles of destroy and rebuild, testing designs, optimizing performance, and mastering repairs. Explore autonomous behaviors, sensor integration, and strategic controls to give your bot a competitive edge.
Learning Objectives: in this class, students will…
- Design and build a fully functional battle robot by applying engineering design processes, iterative testing, and mechanical problem-solving;
- Understand the fundamentals of electrical engineering and the physics of basic electronics, including power, motors, sensors, and circuit behavior;
- Learn how to solder and assemble electronic circuits safely and accurately to create reliable robot control systems;
- Code Arduino-type microcontrollers (such as the ESP32) to control motors, sensors, cameras, and autonomous robot behaviors;
- Develop fluency in CAD, 3D design, and multiple aspects of 3D printing—including prototyping, material selection, and post-processing—to create modular robot components;
- Learn the art of the peer critique and give peer critiques on the progress of student work;
- Explore opportunities and potential resources on career pathways;
- Learn how to distribute, exhibit, and promote artwork for a variety of audiences.
Equipment
- PC computers
- iPads
- Solder station
- Microcontrollers
- Motors and motor drivers
- Adruinos
- Cameras
- Flysky controllers
- Frysky controllers
Software
- Arduino IDE
- Shapelabs
- OnShape
- 123D Design
Deliverables: Students and Class Projects
- Students will produce a fully functional, competition-ready battle robot with a modular 3D-printed chassis, custom-assembled electronics, Arduino-based control systems, and an onboard camera for testing and strategy.
