Workshop on Robotics

The workshop began with a formal introduction of the resource persons. Prof. Flavia Leitao explained the importance and purpose of the workshop which was to develop Bots and be able to compete in Robotics competitions and the expertise that they are expected to develop through this training. Prof. Deron Rodrigues spoke about the teamwork and coordination which is very important for successful completion of the given task. Later, Prof. Yeshudas Muttu spoke about time management and commitment required in order to perform well in their tasks.

Thereafter, all the participants introduced themselves briefly and also expressed their views about Robotics. The resource person then began with the Introduction to Robotics which covered the basic concepts about Robotics. Participants were explained the building block of the robots and the general working of it. The different types of Robots used in Robotics competitions in various Technical colleges were explained along with relevant design diagrams. 

The main topic for the day was building a Line Follower Robot. After explaining the concept of working of the Line Follower Robot along with PPTs and videos, it’s operation was also demonstrated to the students, where all the students saw and learnt how the Robot actually works. Details about the components used were explained along with their functions. After the live demonstration of the Line Follower Bot, the working to the Microcontroller (Arduino Uno), motors, motor drivers, sensors and the codes of the Arduino IDE software were also explained.

Thereafter, four teams were made and a Team Leader for each team was appointed. The Participants were told to discuss their common free slots so that they could meet further in groups and carry on their study and work. They were asked to get familiar on Arduino Uno and a YouTube playlist defining some basic tasks was given to them to get started.

The students were extremely fortunate enough to be visited by Mr Myron and Mr Sujay, Alumni and Ex-Robotics Club members who happened to visit college the same day. The two shared their experience of working in Robotics, participating in different competitions and the students had a great time interacting with them.

The coordinators of this workshop and initiative were Prof. Flavia Leitao, Prof. Yeshudas Muttu and Prof. Deron Rodrigues.