Robotics Foundations Partial Certification Course Outline

Duration: 4 weeks

Price: $200

Projected Salary Range: $125,000 – $185,000

Week 1: Introduction to Robotics & Control Systems

Written Lectures:

• Robotics basics: terminology, robot types, and applications
• Open-loop vs. closed-loop control systems
• Introduction to microcontrollers and setting up VS Code with PlatformIO

Labs (VS Code + PlatformIO):

• Install VS Code and PlatformIO extension
• Write and upload your first Arduino sketch (e.g., blink an LED)
• Use PlatformIO’s serial monitor to debug output

Audio Lectures:

• "History of Robotics"
• "Safety Protocols in Robotics Labs"

Assessments:

• Matching Quiz: Robotics terms and definitions (10 questions)
• MCQ Quiz: 40 questions on control systems, microcontroller basics, and safety

Week 2: Sensors & Motor Control

Written Lectures:

• Overview of sensors: ultrasonic, IR, and basic actuators
• PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for motor control
• Integrating sensors and motors with Arduino using PlatformIO

Labs (VS Code + PlatformIO):

• Connect and program an ultrasonic sensor and servo motor
• Use PWM to control motor speed
• Monitor sensor data via serial output

Audio Lectures:

• "Real-World Applications of Sensors"
• "Case Study: Industrial Robotics"

Assessments:

• Matching Quiz: Sensor types and uses (10 questions)
• MCQ Quiz: 40 questions on PWM, sensors, and actuators

Week 3: Basic Robot Assembly & Programming

Written Lectures:

• Mechanical design and assembly basics
• Block-based programming vs. Python for robotics
• Introduction to C++ and Python coding in VS Code

Labs (VS Code + PlatformIO):

• Assemble a simple robot chassis (virtual or physical)
• Write code to drive motors and read sensors
• Debug and refine code using PlatformIO’s built-in tools

Audio Lectures:

• "Best Practices for Robot Assembly"
• "Debugging 101"

Assessments:

• Matching Quiz: Programming concepts and examples (10 questions)
• MCQ Quiz: 40 questions on assembly, programming, and debugging

Week 4: Kinematics & Trajectory Planning

Written Lectures:

• Introduction to forward and inverse kinematics
• Trajectory planning: linear and circular paths
• Simulating robot movement in code

Labs (VS Code + PlatformIO):

• Program a robotic arm to move to specific positions
• Simulate and visualize robot paths using code
• Adjust kinematic parameters and observe effects