The newly established MIX Robot prototyping short course series will begin this Spring 2025! In the Autonomous Robotics and Sensor Integration Short Course, participants will learn and master robotics fundamentals, including microcontroller programming, sensor integration, and hardware assembly. Participants will learn in a hands on environment how to design and program autonomous systems to tackle tasks like maze navigation, obstacle avoidance, line tracking, and object manipulation. Through hands-on projects, they gain skills in coding, electronics, and problem-solving, showcasing proficiency in building and optimizing robotic platforms for real-world applications. After successful completion of this course, students earn a digital micro-credential from GMU to put on your resume.

This Spring 2025, participants will design and build a multi-functional navigating robot using an array of sensors and actuators to carry out a range of diverse tasks in sequence, while learning to use and creatively employ resources and equipment available at the MIX.

Working in small teams of six, in Sessions 1-3 students are introduced to the Arduino IDE microcontroller platform, the basics of coding within the embedded computing environment, automation and movement, and obstacle avoidance. By session 3, students have assembled their automated responsive and semi-intelligent robotic system in the MIX. Sessions 3-6 introduce topics related to refined servo motor control and sequencing responsive characteristics. Sessions 7-8 focus on testing activities in pursuit of recording their accomplishment of "mini-challenges". The final Session 9 will be a "poster session"/"science fair" where each team will have a display to showcase their work and conduct a demonstration of their robots ability to complete a sequence of tasks in response to the sensor systems.

This is an interdisciplinary program in which 30 students collaboratively work to create a multifunctional responsive and intelligent robot. Enthusiastic participants from all majors, departments, and schools are encouraged to apply.

The workshops will begin for the Fall semester on Thursday, February 2, will be held every Monday from 4:30-6:30PM, and run for 9 weeks with final presentations held April 24. Some sessions may end early, but will use the full length of time for the build sessions.

Applications are open with a deadline of Sunday, February 2 at midnight. A notice of acceptance to chosen students will be sent by the end of day, Friday, Feb 7.