Foldable Robotics Camp

In this exciting hands-on, day camp for high schoolers, participants will be introduced to the principles of robot design through origami -- the art of paper folding -- to prototype, ideate, and get a hands-on sense of the physics of robots. Participants will learn: (1) how to use the biological world as a source of inspiration for designing robots, and how to translate those principles into a set of engineering design goals; (2) how to ideate, prototype, and synthesize robotic devices through folded mechanisms, and how force, torque, and motion can be tuned through these structures to make robots move better; (3) Coding a microcontroller to generate motion with an RC servo-motor; and (4) how to take real-world data from a foldable robot and use physical models to improve robot performance. This week-long, hands-on, project-based approach will emphasize problem identification, brainstorming, problem solving, rapid prototyping, teamwork, and communication. The camp will culminate with a final build -- that students can program to move through the environment -- along with an exposition for parents. Students will be able to take their development kits home with them at the end of the week. Example parts & materials include a programmable microcontroller, breadboard & wire, RC Servo(s), Sensor(s), LED(s), Battery, and other craft essentials. For more info, contact danaukes@asu.edu . Early registration ends May 13. Final Registration deadline: May 31