Learning Target/Outcome: What I'll Learn

I can program a robot to perform different tasks 

I can program a robot to perform complex tasks

I can program a robot to perform simple tasks

I can program a robot to communicate

Skills to Master:

Write and explain code in sequential order

Show robot running code

Information I need to know related to my topic

How my robot works and the website I need to control it

Stuff I'll Need

The bot you selected

Tutorials 

The software app 

Props for bot to perform the tasks

Math I Need to Know

Probability theory and statistics, linear algebra, and optimization are key mathematical tools for modern robotics.

Important Vocabulary

Robot-A robot is a machine that performs complicated tasks and is guided by automatic controls.

Actuator: A motor that receives programming signals and translates them into mechanical movement 

Algorithm: A step-by-step procedure for calculating something, processing data, or making a decision 

Code: A general term for any command or group of commands in a program 

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The "brain" of a robot, designed to process pre-programmed and command inputs 

Computer programming -Computer programming or coding is the composition of sequences of instructions, called programs, that computers can follow to perform tasks. It involves designing and implementing algorithms, step-by-step specifications of procedures, by writing code in one or more programming languages.

Velocity: This is measured in centimeters per second. 

Acceleration: This is measured in gs, where g = 9.80665 m/s^2.

Career Connection and Real World Application

Robotics Engineer

Robotics engineers work in core robotics companies. Their job involves the design, fabrication, testing, and assembling of robots. Engineers often rely on computer-aided design software to conceptualize their designs. Robotics engineers may work with scientists and innovators to develop robots that suit specific industrial applications. According to information collected by Indeed.com, the average base salary for a robotics engineer can be $89,662 per year in the United States.

Electromechanical and Robotics Technician

Electromechanical and mechatronics technicians perform a variety of tasks in the field of robotics. They use mechanical, electrical, and electronic technology to test, operate, and repair drones, electromechanical systems, and automated machines. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Electromechanical technologists and technicians earn mean annual wages of $28.75 per hour or about $59,800 annually.

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers develop new robots for manufacturing, tool design, welding, and high-temperature applications.

A mechanical engineer may also install and commission a robotic system in the industry or conduct studies on designing robots most efficiently. A graduate degree is typically required for a successful career in the mechanical industry. According to data collected by the BLS, the average mechanical engineer earns around $90,160 per year.

Design Engineer

Design engineering professionals work specifically on the visual appearance of the robot. They work in association with a mechanical engineering team to ensure that their designs are practically achievable.

Typical responsibilities of a design engineer include sketching blueprints and conducting motion studies to simulate the final product. 

You may need an advanced degree or certificate course in design software to understand the process of designing functional assemblies from scratch. According to information collected by Payscale.com, design engineering professionals can expect an average salary of about $69,111.

Software Engineer

Software engineers are some of the highest-paid professionals in robotics. They work on the software design, integration, and up-gradation of assembly-level languages that run these machines.

A software engineering professional or a software developer also conducts extensive tests to ensure that the robot achieves its desired functionality. Software developers also need to stay on top of new developments to reconfigure robotic systems with more modern software.

Computer science graduates working as Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers make about $110,140 yearly on average in all fields.

Robotics Hardware Engineer

Robotics hardware engineers conduct research, design, develop, and test physical components like circuit boards that run the system. Hardware engineers may collaborate with a software developer to ensure that the circuitry executes the defined instructions correctly.

They may also oversee the manufacturing and design process of new prototypes and robotic systems. According to the latest data from the BLS, computer hardware engineers have an annual median pay of $119,560 per year.

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers use robotics to develop systems to control flight systems, sensors, and regulatory devices. Some engineers also work in the design and development of unmanned aerial vehicles and drones for surveillance. Robotics play a crucial role in flight management and control systems, navigation, and safety equipment design. Aerospace engineers earn about $118,610 annually.

Computer Scientists

A computer scientist works in the field of predictive analytics and allied areas. They use advanced computer programming fundamentals and programming languages to automate the robots.

Some scientists also work in the machine learning domain to inculcate decision-making principles in autonomous robots. Machine learning engineers require keen interest and pre-requisite skill sets in data science, natural language processing, deep learning, neural networks, etc.

With an MS degree in Machine Learning/AI, you can become a computer and information research scientist. An average professional in this field makes about $126,830 per year.

Project Steps

Look over the tutorials on Dr. R's page below for the robot you plan to learn

Intro to Raspberry PI - Found in GoPiGo3 Robots -Watch intro video below: