Build BOTS! and Making Simple Robots

Intro Robotics Workshops for Kids and Teens

One-session workshops or multi-session classes

• No experience necessary! Based on my books BOTS! and Making Simple Robots 2nd edition

• Each class explores one of the systems that make robots work while building a working robotic prototype.

Workshops for Ages 7 and up

• Robot Bodies — Make a Motorized ArtBot

  • Discover how to get different behavior from a robot by adjusting its “programmable body”

• Robot Motion — Make a Walking Robot Dog or Biped

  • Explore biomimetic design by making paper robots powered by gravity

• Robot Effectors — Make a Fin Gripper

  • Compliant robot grippers curve around objects for safety. Teens can add a bendy arm for extra challenge

• Robot Sensors — Make a Light-Up Pressure Sensor

  • Sensors send input to robot brains. Explore some programmable robots with built-in sensors, then build a paper circuit that detect a robot’s environment

• Robot Control — Meet the Robots! Kits and Programmable Models to Explore

  • Test out littleBits electronics (snap-together sensors, motors, and lights) and visit with a special guest robot that responds to voice commands (plus make a bonus project to take home)

Workshops for Ages 10 and Up

• Robot Power Systems — Build a Solar WobbleBot from Everyday Materials

  • Design a robot that spins around using renewable energy

• Advanced Robot Control — Program Moving Cardboard Robots

  • Use inexpensive microcontrollers and servo motors to make and code one of these simple robots. (Laptops/desktops required; electronics kits available for use during class or to purchase)

    • DrawBot — moves as its scribbles with its marker

    • Inchworm — design feet that pull this robot along

    • Robotic arm — based on surgical robots

    • Animatronic face — a fun robot that blinks and talks (make it lipsync to your words!)

My Book Bundles and Starter Pacts

Robotics Images