Introduction to Robotics

Intro to Robotics is an intermediate-level workshop designed for students or technology enthusiasts who have some prior experience with creative tools like Arduino or P5.js. This workshop introduces participants to robotics and the use of the Ml5.js machine learning framework. Participants will learn to build a small robot and control it using hand movements, facial movements, or movements of specific body parts. They can work individually or in small groups of 2-3 people. Each group or individual will receive a robot kit, consisting of motors and wooden chassis parts made with a lasercutter. Students can choose from different robot models: one robotic arm and two walking robots.

During the first 45 minutes, the facilitator will explain how to use Ml5.js and Arduino to control the motor components, showcasing three machine learning models—FaceMesh for face tracking, Handpose for hand tracking, and PoseNet for body tracking. In the next 45 minutes, students will develop small programs and tracking systems to control their robots using different body parts. The goal is to prepare a small exhibition by the end of the workshop where each robot is controlled uniquely (e.g., a robotic arm controlled by a hand, a walking robot by facial movements, and another walking robot following audience movements by torso coordinates).

Experience level

Students or technology enthusiasts who have some prior experience with creative tools like Arduino or P5.js.

Requirements

Students must bring their laptops to follow the workshop and create their artwork. The robots have been developed by the facilitator at the HfG Offenbach Robotics Lab, where the facilitator is the head. At the end of the workshop and exhibition, each student will be gifted the robot/artwork they produced. All technologies used are open source.