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Practical projects

Robotics & Engineering

Choose your platform, build your skills, and turn code and components into robots that sense, move and respond.

Build, test and improve

Raspberry Pi · 25 projects

Use a Raspberry Pi computer and Python. Work from LEDs and sensors to connected rovers, computer vision and a trained robot hand.

BEFORE YOUR FIRST PROJECT

Use the Raspberry Pi computer pathway here; Pico boards need a different setup. Choose compatible sensors, use an ADC for analogue inputs, and power motors through suitable drivers.

1 | FIRST CIRCUITS

Start here · Python, breadboards and GPIO.

2 | SENSORS AND DISPLAYS

Next steps · measure, display and record.

3 | MOVEMENT AND MECHANISMS

Intermediate · powered mechanisms and feedback.

4 | CONNECTED AND INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS

Advanced · networking, cameras and automation.

5 | ROBOT HAND AND MUSCLE CONTROL

Expert project series · prototype before using body sensors.

ROBOT HAND | EMG PROJECT PREPARATION

Begin with simulated signals. For body-worn electrodes, use a commercial EMG sensing module, follow its manufacturer’s isolation guidance, and obtain teacher approval before testing. Disconnect body-worn sensors during charging or programming unless the manufacturer explicitly supports that isolated arrangement. These projects sense muscle activity; they do not stimulate muscles.

Build, test and improve

Arduino · 25 projects

Use Arduino sketches to learn electronics, sensing and control. Begin with simple circuits, then build autonomous robots and a muscle-controlled hand.

BEFORE YOUR FIRST PROJECT

Start with a supported Arduino board, the Arduino IDE and a breadboard. Board voltages, analogue inputs and wireless features vary; each project will specify its hardware.

1 | FIRST CIRCUITS

Start here · Arduino sketches and breadboards.

2 | SENSORS AND DISPLAYS

Next steps · analogue and digital inputs.

3 | MOVEMENT AND FEEDBACK

Intermediate · mechanisms and control loops.

4 | USEFUL ENGINEERING SYSTEMS

Advanced · integrate several components.

5 | ROBOT HAND AND MUSCLE CONTROL

Expert project series · sensing, calibration and trained control.

ROBOT HAND | EMG PROJECT PREPARATION

Begin with simulated signals. For body-worn electrodes, use a commercial EMG sensing module, follow its manufacturer’s isolation guidance, and obtain teacher approval before testing. Disconnect body-worn sensors during charging or programming unless the manufacturer explicitly supports that isolated arrangement. These projects sense muscle activity; they do not stimulate muscles.

Build, test and improve

VEX V5 · Autonomous programming in Python

Build and test reliable autonomous routines. Work through the foundations before adding feedback control, odometry, path following and vision.

CHOOSE YOUR AUTONOMOUS PATHWAY

Sections 1–5 build a dependable foundation. Sections 6–9 introduce custom Python algorithms and optional sensors. Tracking-wheel odometry and pure pursuit are implementations you develop; AprilTag detection uses the V5 AI Vision Sensor and does not supply a ready-made field pose.

01 | SET UP A RELIABLE V5 PYTHON PROJECT

Foundation · complete this before movement tests.

02 | BASIC AUTONOMOUS MOVEMENT

Foundation · measure and calibrate on your robot.

03 | ACCELERATION, BRAKING AND CURVED MOTION

Intermediate · tune for traction and repeatability.

04 | SENSORS AND CALIBRATION

Intermediate · observe values before using them for control.

05 | CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL AND MECHANISM AUTOMATION

Intermediate · build small controllers before combining them.

06 | TRACKING WHEELS AND ODOMETRY

Advanced · custom algorithms written in VEX V5 Python.

07 | NAVIGATE THE FIELD AND FOLLOW PATHS

Advanced · use a tested position estimate first.

08 | VISION AND APRILTAGS

Advanced · AprilTag lessons require the V5 AI Vision Sensor.

09 | COORDINATE ACTIONS AND RECOVER FROM FAILURES

Advanced · make routines responsive and repeatable.

10 | COMPETITION-READY AUTONOMOUS DEVELOPMENT

Capstone · prove reliability through repeated trials.

OFFICIAL VEX V5 PYTHON REFERENCES