HomeWorkshop: Ranger Bots

Ranger Bots

Quicklink: https://nescitech.org/rangerbots

The mBot Ranger robot from MakeBlock can do amazing things by attaching basic sensors and coding their functions to control the robot. This workshop will introduce you to fun problem-solving activities in the world of robotics.

In this hands-on Makeblock mBot robotics course students explore sensing, control, and planning in collaborative team projects. Learn software development and problem-solving skills through real-world robotic challenges through block-based programming. Learn to set up a robot, program LED signals, navigate with movement commands, and build intelligent behaviors using ultrasonic and IR sensors.

Start with a simple block-style command structure similar to "Scratch 3.0" to see the results fast. Then learn to manipulate real code based on Arduino code. Each lesson teaches new concepts you can master and builds your skills so you’ll be ready to tackle more advanced concepts later.

8-week course for Grades 4–9. Fridays 6:30-8:00 pm. Fee: $55 non-members (free for members) Sign up HERE or in the scrolling menu below.

This course will be taught by Raghav Vidharth Karthik, a robotics enthusiast and student at Natick High School. Raghav has been a regular volunteer at Sci-Tech for two summers.

8 Fridays 6:30-8:00 pm

Week 1: Friday Sep 18 (60 minutes)

Goal: Learn the robot's physical components and establish the connection.

Activity: Learn how the robot works, its various parts, and how to code them.

Coding: Connect Ranger to the mBlock app via Bluetooth/USB and run a simple "blink" program on the onboard LEDs

Week 2: Friday Sep 25 (90 Minutes)

Goal: Master motor controls and coordinate movements.

Activity: Teach the robot to move forward, reverse, and turn at specific angles.

Coding: Create a program that makes the Ranger drive in a perfect square or figure-eight

Week 3: Friday Oct 2 (90 minutes)

Goal: Introduce the concept of a forever loop and output feedback

Activity: Use the onboard 12 RGB LED ring and the buzzer.

Coding: Code a police siren effect with flashing lights and sounds that repeat infinitely using loops

Week 4: Friday Oct 9 (90 minutes)

Goal: Introduce environmental sensors and conditional if-then logic.

Activity: Explore the built-in light and sound sensors.

Coding: Create a "Smart Nightlight" (robot turns its LEDs on when the room goes dark) or a "Clap to Start" trigger.

8 Fridays 6:30-8:00 pm

Week 5: Friday Oct 16 (90 minutes)

Goal: Learn infrared (IR) sensor arrays and binary states (black vs. white).

Activity: Use the track map or make your own track on the floor.

Coding: Program the robot to follow the track smoothly using conditional logic.

Week 6: Friday Oct 23 (90 minutes)

Goal: Optimize logic to handle sharp turns and intersections.

Activity: Add obstacles to the line-following track.

Coding: Write nested conditional statements to handle edge cases, like slowing down on curves.

Week 7: Friday Oct 30 (90 minutes)

Goal: Optimize logic to handle sharp turns and intersections.

Activity: Add obstacles to the line-following track.

Coding: Write nested conditional statements to handle edge cases, like slowing down on curves.

Week 8: Friday Nov 6 (90 minutes)

Goal: Apply all learned concepts in a friendly competition.

Activity: Set up a circular arena (Sumo ring) or a "rescue zone" with obstacles.

Coding: Students program their Ranger to autonomously stay inside the ring while pushing an opponent out, or navigate a course to retrieve an object.

(Must sign up for all 8 classes to do this)

There are TEN Ranger Bots ready for you to program, five configured in Tank mode and five in Race mode.

Course Goals

No prerequisites. This course is ideal for anyone just starting out in coding who would like to work with a ready-to-go robot. You may bring your own laptop to control the bots, but we will have computers here you can use.

Please be aware of our Cancellation and Refund Policies. For questions, e-mail info@nescitech.org or call 508-720-4179.