Introduction to C , Data Types and Operators

In this chapter you will be introduced to computer programming and how C evolved as a language. This section will help you take your first steps into the wonderful world of C. We use computers to store information and these could be numbers, letters and characters. Before we can store this information we need to identify what kind of information it is and also manage it using a language like C.

• Computer Programming
• Structure of a C
• IDE, Errors, Algorithms and Flowcharts
• Data types, Variables, Constants
   

Control Statements

Every piece of C code needs to be executed in the right way and this chapter will introduce you to how code is repetitively executed. For example, if we need to execute the same line of code 10 times we can use control statements to avoid redundancy and improve efficiency.

• Selection - if, if-else, switch- case
• Iteration - for, while , do-while
   

Arrays and Strings

This section will teach you how to manipulate similar data using arrays. Elements of an array can be added, subtracted or compared.

• Introduction
• Single Dimensional Array
• Multidimensional Arrays
• Strings
• Strings Function

Function

Write once, use multiple times. That is one of the tenets of efficient code. And C functions help you do that. Functions also help to make a program modular and thus more readable and organized.

• Introduction
• Parts of Function
• main()
• Use of Function
• Call by Value

Getting started with Robotics

• Introduction to Robotics
• Working with basic Electronic components
• Building basic and useful circuits
• Understanding analog and digital signals

Understanding Robotic components and terms

• Manipulator
• End Effecters
• Actuators/ motors
• Sensors
• Controller
• Software

Understanding Microcontrollers

• What is a microcontroller?
• What can a microcontroller do?
• Specialized features in a microcontroller
• Getting familiarized with the Arduino Uno board
• Controlling Digital and Analog I/O pins

Programming the Arduino Uno

• Software downloading/ Installing and Interface
• Structure, setup(), loop(), functions
• Basic code
• Making a calculator
• Making a traffic light controller

Using Sensors

• What can humans sense that robots can't?
• What can robots sense that humans can't?
• Types of sensors
• Interfacing sensors with the Arduino
• Learning different sensing applications

Assembling a Robot

• Making the frame
• Assembling the robot components
• Connecting motors to Motor Controllers
• Connecting Batteries to Motor Controller/ micro-controller
• Connecting motor controllers to micro-controller
• Connecting sensors to a Micro-controller
• Communication device to Micro-controller
• Wheels to motors
• Electrical components to frame

Programming the robot

• Detecting sensor inputs
• Making decisions
• Controlling the motors
• Different robotic applications