Robotics
Programming Applications
Programming is the essential function to command a robot; quite simply, programming provides the brain function. Students primarily compose Blockly to code the Sphero BOLTs and RVRs ; they create using movement and sensor functions, controls, operators, comparators, communications, events, and variables in their coding to bring the robots to life. None of the code will work, however, unless the students are continually analyzing and evaluating their code to identify flaws and debug.
Electrical Engineering
The electrical components serve as the nervous system in mechatronics; the commands are sent from the coded "brains" through the electrical conductors to the mechanical components. Students investigate simple electrical components: energy cells, conductors, resistors, transformers, and the flow of energy, and analyzing simple electrical concepts: Ohm's Law, series and parallel circuits. Furthermore, they demonstrate their knowledge use Tinkercad Circuits to compose an LED light show.
Mechanical Engineering
In robotics and mechatronics, the mechanical components act as the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones. Lego Mindstorm EV3 and VEX IQ are robotic design kits which integrate all of the skills required for robotics: programming, electrical design, and mechanical design. Students program sophisticated motors and sensors in these kits, including ones which create movement in response to the programmed perceptions of touch, color and sight, infrared, distance, inertia, and rotation.
