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Autonomous Machines

Drive the Future: Hands-on Robotics & AI for Middle/High Schoolers

A hands-on program to understand the fundamentals of autonomous driving, perception, planning, and SLAM.

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Program Highlights

Key metrics that make our program exceptional

16

Students
per Class

35

Instructional
Hours

8

Comprehensive
Modules

7-12

Grade
Level

By

Parag Mehendale

Engineering Manager, Nvidia

Introductory Workshop

Experience the future of robotics and AI in our hands-on 2.5-hour workshop

Workshop Dates
August 2, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
August 9, 2025
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Pricing & Details
$60
Workshop Fee
(1 Parent + 1 Student)
20 Students
Class Size
What You'll Experience
Live Robot Demonstrations
Hands-on Programming
AI & Computer Vision
Program Overview
🍕 Pizzas and Drinks will be served!
Enjoy refreshments while learning about robotics
Register for Workshop

Experience the Future

Get hands-on with cutting-edge robotics technology and see autonomous machines in action

Workshop Robotics
Robotics Demo

About the Program

Start: Aug 23, 2025

Class Size: 16 students

Duration: 32 hours

Grade: 7th-12th

Pricing: $999

Office Hours: 30 min

Prerequisites
  • Programming fundamentals
  • Python knowledge
  • VEX or LEGO Spike Prime (Good to have)
  • Hardware interaction modules like Raspberry Pi, Arduino

Program Modules

Comprehensive curriculum covering robotics, AI, and autonomous systems

What is Robotics? Robotics combines engineering and computer science to design, build, and operate robots that perform tasks using sensors, actuators, and intelligence.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? AI enables machines to mimic human-like decision-making, enhancing robots’ ability to navigate and solve problems.
Why Learn Robotics? Robotics drives innovation in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture, with applications like robotic arms and self-driving cars.
Introduction to JetRacer: JetRacer is an AI-powered, programmable robot car built for learning robotics and autonomous driving.
Unboxing and Identifying Components: Jetson Nano, RP2040 microcontroller, camera, motors, battery holder, OLED display.
Safety Guidelines: Handle batteries carefully, avoid short circuits, use tools with caution.
Assembly Process: Step-by-step instructions to mount motors, attach wheels, connect camera and display.
What is a Computer? Processes data using hardware and software.
Operating Systems: Linux (Ubuntu) manages hardware and provides a user interface.
Programming Concepts: Code is a set of instructions; Python is used for programming JetRacer.
Jetson Nano Overview: Small, powerful computer for AI and robotics.
OS Installation: Download and write Ubuntu OS image to microSD card.
Network Setup: Configure WiFi via terminal or graphical interface.
ROS Basics: Framework for building robot software, simplifying communication.
ROS Architecture: Nodes, topics, and messages for robot communication.
Installation and Commands: Install ROS, run roscore, rosnode, rostopic.
Motor Control: Write Python scripts to move JetRacer.
OLED Display: Show real-time data.
Remote Control: Use keyboard or smartphone app via WiFi.
Sensor Types: IMUs, cameras, encoders.
Reading Sensor Data: Use Python and OpenCV.
Computer Vision: Process images to detect objects or patterns.
Basic Python Programs: Control motors, read sensors.
ROS Nodes: Publish motor commands, subscribe to sensor topics.
Line Following Project: Use camera to follow a line.
Autonomous Navigation: Path planning, obstacle detection.
AI and Machine Learning: Train and deploy models for object detection.
Voice Interaction: Program JetRacer to respond to voice commands.
Group Projects: Teams design robot behaviors.
Presentation and Demonstration: Students demo their projects.
Reflection and Next Steps: Discuss lessons learned and future exploration.

Industry Tours

Experience real-world robotics in action

Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Centers

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how Amazon uses robotics to revolutionize e-commerce and logistics. See autonomous robots working alongside humans in state-of-the-art fulfillment centers.

Autonomous Robots
Kiva robots in action

Smart Systems
AI-powered logistics

Human-Robot Collaboration
Real-world applications

Stay tuned for more details! Tour dates and registration information will be announced soon.

Why Choose Our Program?

Industry-leading curriculum designed for the future of robotics

Industry Expert Collaboration

Learn from Parag, an industry expert engineering manager from Nvidia with real-world robotics experience

Hands-on Learning

Work with real robotics hardware including JetRacer and advanced sensors

Project-Based Curriculum

Build real projects from line following to autonomous navigation

Small Class Sizes

Personalized attention with only 16 students per class

Modern AI Concepts

Learn cutting-edge AI and autonomous driving technologies

Career Preparation

Real-world applications that prepare you for future robotics careers

Ready to Drive the Future?

Join the next generation of robotics engineers and AI innovators

Register for Program
Contact Us

Questions? Call us at (408) 909-4998 or email [email protected]