Robotics
Robotics Foundations
Overview
Sensors, actuators and control: the building blocks behind every robot.
Explore how robots sense, decide and move. You will learn the basics of electronics, microcontrollers and control loops, and plan a small robotics build that connects with Spark Labs sessions.
Level
Beginner
Duration
6 weeks
Lessons
10 lessons
Certificate
Included
What you'll learn
- Identify common sensors and actuators
- Read a simple circuit diagram
- Explain feedback control
- Plan a small robot build
- Test and debug hardware safely
Curriculum
3 modules · 10 lessons · about 2 hours
Module 1Anatomy of a robot4 lessons
- Sensors and actuatorsvideo12 min
- Power and circuitstext10 min
- Microcontrollerspdf10 min
- Checkpoint: anatomyquiz8 min
Module 2Control and motion4 lessons
- Feedback loopsvideo12 min
- Driving motorstext10 min
- Reading sensorspdf10 min
- Checkpoint: controlquiz8 min
Module 3Plan a build2 lessons
- Scoping a small robotvideo12 min
- Project: design your robotproject45 min
Projects & assignments
- Project: design your robot
Requirements
- No prior experience
- Optional: a starter kit for hands-on practice
Who it's for
- Curious beginners
- Students who want to pair online learning with hands-on Spark Labs sessions
Spark Academy
Course material is designed and maintained by the Spark Academy learning team in collaboration with Spark Labs.
Certificate
A Spark Academy certificate of completion is issued when you finish every lesson. Every credential has a public verification page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. A Spark Academy certificate of completion is issued when you finish every lesson.
Can I learn at my own pace?
Yes. All lessons are self-paced and your progress is saved automatically.
Is this demo content?
Course material is development data while the academy is being set up.