
Robot car launches "family fridays"
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our exciting new "Family Fridays" series through the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center's Creative Technology (CTECH) program, designed to bring families together in the pursuit of technical skills and knowledge.
Our first installment is the captivating "Build a Robot Car" short course, which launched last week and runs through April.
"Build a Robot Car" is an engaging course that offers hands-on experience in the realms of engineering, design, and manufacturing. Through collaborative efforts between young participants and their parents or guardians, this course encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and innovation.
Participants learn how to build a simple robot car using an Arduino microcontroller. They assemble various components like motors and a chassis and learn to program it with the Arduino IDE to control its movement. By experimenting and troubleshooting their designs, students gain valuable experience in robotics and programming.


Some of the key takeaways from the course include:
- Proficiency in using Arduino microcontrollers for robotics applications
- Ability to assemble various robot components (e.g., motors, chassis)
- Skills in programming using the Arduino IDE
- Understanding of basic motor control and sensor integration
- Experience in troubleshooting and debugging robotic designs
- Knowledge of circuitry and electronic components related to robotics
- Hands-on experience in project planning and execution
At the end of the course, each student produces a working robot car and obtains the skills needed to pursue more advanced projects. This program aims to inspire creativity and build confidence, while equipping families with valuable skills that are highly sought after in the industry. By working together, families can explore potential career opportunities and create lasting memories in a fun environment.
The first course in our "Family Fridays" initiative provides the perfect platform for families to bond over shared learning experiences and achievements while also inspiring a community of young minds.
Curious about what exciting courses are coming up next in our "Family Fridays" series? From game world design to pickleball paddle fabrication, and intro to soldering to welding, select your top three in the poll below!