Nextineers
Robotics Camp
A 5-day hands-on robotics course for grades 6–12. Students learn electronics fundamentals, physically assemble a two-wheeled robot car, program it using block-based software, and compete in an autonomous obstacle-avoidance challenge.
Build · Code · Compete
Over 9 hours of instruction across 5 days, you'll go from zero robotics experience to piloting your own autonomous robot through an obstacle course.
Build
Assemble a two-wheeled robot car from individual components — Arduino microcontroller, L298N motor driver, HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor, and DC motors on a custom chassis.
Code
Program your robot using MBlock, a beginner-friendly block-based coding environment. Control motors, read sensor data, and write autonomous navigation algorithms.
Compete
Put your robot to the ultimate test in an obstacle-avoidance challenge. Optimize speed, turning, and sensor thresholds. Present your strategy and results to your peers.
5-Day Journey
Introduction, Electronics & Sensors
Learn what a robot is and explore the Sense-Think-Act cycle. Identify all core components — microcontroller, motor driver, sensors, and actuators. Understand voltage, current, resistance, and Ohm's Law. Build a working LED circuit on a breadboard and see a live ultrasonic sensor demo.
Deliverable: Name all components, build LED circuit, see sensor live
Robot Assembly & Wiring
Physically assemble a two-wheeled robot car chassis, mount all components, and correctly wire motors, sensors, and the motor driver to the Arduino microcontroller. Verify every connection with instructor sign-off.
Deliverable: Fully assembled and instructor-verified robot car
Programming: Basics to Obstacle Avoidance
Write and upload block-based programs in MBlock that make the robot move forward, turn, and respond to sensor data. Implement an obstacle avoidance algorithm combining ultrasonic sensor input with motor control logic.
Deliverable: Robot drives, turns, reads sensor, and avoids obstacles
Challenge Preparation & Optimization
Optimize your robot for the final challenge — tune threshold distances, PWM speed, and turn duration. Add creative enhancements like LED indicators, variable speed control, and buzzer feedback. Practice runs on the obstacle course.
Deliverable: Tuned, enhanced robot ready for final challenge
Presentations & Course Wrap-Up
Official challenge runs scored on a rubric. Each team presents their approach, challenges faced, and solutions found. Celebrate with certificates and explore next steps in robotics learning.
Deliverable: Team demos, reflection, certificates, next steps
What You'll Learn
Define what a robot is and explain the Sense-Think-Act cycle
Identify and describe all core components of a basic robot
Understand basic electronics: voltage, current, resistance, and Ohm's Law
Build a working LED circuit on a breadboard
Explain how an ultrasonic sensor measures distance
Assemble a robot car and correctly wire all components
Write block-based programs that make the robot move and respond to sensors
Implement an autonomous obstacle avoidance algorithm
Debug common wiring and programming errors
Present work clearly to peers
What's in the Kit
Every team of 2–3 students receives a complete robotics kit. All materials are provided — just bring your curiosity!
Ready to Build Your First Robot?
Limited to 16 students per week. Register before spots fill up!
Questions? Contact us at info@harmonyyouthcenter.org or call (678) 920-6669