Workshop on Robot Building

The Robotics Club “Robocom” of Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, under the guidance of Prof. Flavia Leitao, successfully organized a hands-on workshop, which focused on building robotic bots, like the Line Following Robot (LFR), Robo Racer, and Robo Soccer, on 25^th January 2025. The workshop aimed to provide students with practical insights into designing, building, and programming different robotic bots, while also offering valuable information on competitive robotics events.

The workshop commenced with an introductory session by Mr. Preston Dsilva, who provided a comprehensive overview of various types of robots, their real-world applications, and the numerous competitions associated with them. He explained the tracks commonly used in events, including the layout for Robo Soccer, and delved into the intricacies of Line Following Robots (LFR). Additionally, Preston introduced the participants to the variety of robots available within the Robocom club, highlighting their functionalities and the potential for innovation in the field of robotics.

This is followed by a session led by Mr. Vallan Mascarenhas, which focused on the hardware components of the LFR. Vallan explained the key PCB connections and the role of each component in the functioning of the robot. Mr. Yash Kochrekar then took over the coding segment, guiding participants through the programming of the LFR using various functions in C++. Once the coding was complete, the assembled LFR bots were tested on a designated track to ensure they functioned as expected, providing the students with an immediate, hands-on experience.

The workshop continued with Mr. Preston Dsilva taking the stage again to present an in-depth session on Robo Soccer. He walked the participants through the critical components involved in building a soccer-playing robot, including motors, chassis design, and soccer clamps. He also explained the essential motor driver connections and the setup for the receiver and RC controller. The session concluded with a practical assembly of the soccer bots, allowing participants to test their creations and understand the mechanics of the bot’s performance on the soccer field.

Ms. Danely Gomes and Mr. Sandeep Sawant led the next session on Robo Racer. They guided the students through the building and controlling process, emphasizing the importance of modifications to suit various track conditions. Topics such as track variations and how to optimize the bot for better performance were thoroughly discussed. The session also covered the LiPo battery’s role in powering the bots, with a focus on proper storage and charging practices to ensure safety. Students were then given the opportunity to test their Robo Racers on the track, enjoying the thrill of seeing their creations come to life.

The workshop concluded with a session led by Danely Gomes, who provided a detailed overview of the rules and regulations governing robotics competitions.

The Robocom workshop was a resounding success, offering participants a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in the field of robotics. The interactive sessions, combined with expert guidance from the mentors, made the learning process both engaging and informative. To conclude the event, senior students shared their personal experiences from previous competitions, further motivating the participants to explore and innovate in the exciting world of robotics.