Robotics

Robotics is a field focused on designing, building, and programming machines that can sense their environment, make decisions, and perform tasks. A robot typically combines mechanical structures, electronic components, and microcontrollers to create systems capable of movement and interaction. Sensors allow robots to collect information, while actuators like motors enable physical action. Programming ties these elements together, giving robots the ability to navigate spaces, manipulate objects, or assist with complex tasks. Robotics appears in many areas, including healthcare, manufacturing, exploration, and entertainment and by blending engineering and computation, robotics helps create machines that extend human abilities in practical and creative ways.

Tech Kits

Tech Kits are part of the walk-in service provided by Innovate Labs. There are three levels of difficulty meant for different users and their experience with the different technologies. Many of the Tech Kits build off each other as you progress.

Beginner

Motor Control and Sensors

Length: 30 Minutes

Description: A robot is an autonomous machine capable of sensing its environment, carrying out computations to make decisions, and performing actions in the real world. This tech kit guides users through the building of a robot to learn the basics of robot movement, motor control, sensors and programming. Users will build a path and code the robot they built to autonomously navigate that path using the VEXcode IQ system.

Intermediate

Optical Sensor Treasure Hunt

Length: 45 Minutes

Description: An optical sensor has three main functions: to detect objects and their proximity, detect the color of an object, and detect ambient light or the light reflecting off of an object. Robotic claws are a common type of end-effector used in robotics because of their simple design, functionality, and vast industry applications. In this tech kit, users will utilize the visual analysis capabilities of optical sensors to code a robot to move autonomously and relocate blocks with a claw based on their detected color.

Advanced

Lift Claw and Optical Sensor

Length: 60 Minutes

Description: A robotic lift is a mechanical system in a robot that allows the change of height positioning. The four bar lift is constructed using two sets of parallel bars that move up and down in unison. In this tech kit, user will build both the lift and a claw that work in conjunction to move, place, reposition and retrieve objects to places the robot would otherwise be unable to reach. Then, using the VEXcode IQ system, users will code their robot to autonomously move, retrieve, and stack cubes to create two towers of differing heights.

Projects

Resources

VEX IQ logo

VEXcode IQ

Type: Software

Description: VEXcode IQ brings Robotics and Computer Science to life for all students at all skill levels. Choose between three different coding languages - Block-based, Python, and C++. Configure and drive your robot with ease thanks to the graphical Device interface.

VEX IQ Materials

Type: Materials

Description:

  • (10) VEX IQ Education Kits (2nd generation)
  • (24) Field Tiles
  • (32) Field Walls
  • (36) Game Objects
  • (2) Parts and Coding Posters
  • (10) Extra Pin Tools
  • (2) Classroom Chargers (5 USB-A ports)
  • (2) Spare Parts with Storage