RoboClaw Car. The Morning Set
VAT inc
Available for: 8+ years old
4 days, from 26 May'26 - 29 May’26
Start at 9.00 until 12.10
In this hands-on robotics project, pupils build their own remote-controlled robotic car with a moving claw that can grab and lift small objects. By the end of the camp, every participant takes home a fully working robot that they assembled and programmed themselves.
The project introduces young engineers to the fundamentals of real robotics systems. Pupils learn how motors make robots move, how a motor driver allows a small computer to control powerful DC motors, and how a servo motor can create precise movements for a robotic claw. Using a custom electronics shield and carefully selected components, pupils connect the ESP32 controller, motors, servo, and power system while learning how electronic circuits are structured.
Before writing any code, pupils design their wiring diagram in Fritzing, helping them understand how all the components connect together. Once the hardware is assembled, they move to programming using RobiumCode, a visual block-based coding environment designed to make programming accessible and fun. With drag-and-drop blocks, pupils create programs that control the robot’s movement, operate the claw, and communicate with a Bluetooth controller.
As they experiment, pupils discover how PWM (pulse-width modulation) controls motor speed and how software can turn electronic signals into smooth mechanical motion. They test their robots by driving, grabbing objects, and completing small challenges.
The goal of this project is not only to build a robot, but to help pupils understand how electronics, mechanics, and software come together to create a real machine. By building and programming their own robotic car, pupils gain confidence in engineering concepts and see that technology is something they can create themselves.
At the end of the camp, each pupil takes their robotic car home to continue experimenting, improving their code, and inventing new challenges for their robot.
That is take home project!
The Camp Dates and Time
4 days, from 26 May'26 - 29 May’26
Start at 9.00 until 12.10
Age: from 8 years old (to 11)
Location
Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College.
Parkshot, Richmond TW9 2RE
The closest parking at the Old Deer Park (Extension).
Learning outcomes
- Understand basic robot components
Pupils learn what the main parts of a robot are, including motors, a controller and power supply.
- Build a simple electronic circuit
Pupils connect motors, a servo, and a microcontroller using a wiring diagram and see how electronic components work together.
- Learn how motors move robots
Pupils explore how DC motors make the car move forward, backward, and turn.
- Discover how a robotic claw works
Pupils see how a servo motor can control precise movement to open and close the claw.
- Understand basic programming logic
Using a block-based editor, pupils learn how programs control the robot’s actions.
- Experiment with controlling speed and movement
Pupils observe how changing signals from the program affects motor speed and direction.
- Develop problem-solving skills
Pupils test their robots, identify issues, and adjust their wiring or program to make everything work.
There are some requirements exist for the course:
1. You must be confident in using a computer, keyboard and mouse. At the good user level.
2. Know how we save files on a computer, what a file and folders are, etc.
3. Be able to switch between windows in the operating system. Use the keys’ shortcuts.
4. No previous experience with 3D modeling is required
5. No previous experience Robotics is required.