This advanced and hands-on course is designed for students ready to move beyond block-based programming and dive into text-based coding using Arduino C. Working with the Robium Car — a custom-built robotic platform powered by the ESP32 microcontroller — students will develop real-world robotics and programming skills through challenging, creative projects.
The Robium Car is equipped with three ultrasonic sensors, a fully programmable RGB LED ring, WiFi and Bluetooth, making it an ideal platform for exploring AI-inspired automation and intelligent behavior.
Throughout the course, students will:
- Assemble and wire the Robium Car, learning how power systems and motor drivers work at the hardware level
- Write Arduino C code to control motors, implement smooth turns, and build efficient maze-solving algorithms
- Use multiple ultrasonic sensors for distance measurement and implement logic for target tracking and obstacle avoidance
- Program sophisticated RGB LED animations, explore color logic, and use visual output as system feedback
- Develop a remote-controlled robot using WiFi or ESP-NOW, including interpreting commands, managing speed, and real-time directional control
- Explore the structure and syntax of Arduino C, including functions, variables, conditionals, loops, and serial communication
By learning to program in Arduino C, students will gain a deep understanding of how software interacts with hardware, laying the foundation for more advanced engineering, AI, and IoT applications.
As always, each student’s learning path is personalized based on their experience, pace, and interests, which are discussed individually at the time of enrollment. This ensures every participant is engaged and challenged at the right level.
By the end of the course, students will have completed several advanced robotics projects that demonstrate their mastery of embedded systems programming, sensor integration, and autonomous behavior—and be well-prepared for future challenges in robotics and beyond.
This course has 10 lessons. Classes run from 13.10 to 14.10 every Saturday
This course is ready for 11+ years old. Girls and boys are very welcome!
Location
Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College.
Parkshot, Richmond TW9 2RE
Term dates
The first lesson at 20 Sep
The last lesson at 18 Oct
Half-term break.
The first lesson at 8 Nov
The last lesson at 6 Dec
