Applications now open: Spring Robotics CoLab

by Leah Lucas 3 years ago 4 min read

Want to learn how to build and program an autonomous mobile office robot? 🤓

Alongside equally passionate robotics enthusiasts?

Who doesn't, right?

Our next 12 week Robotics CoLab education program session kicks off Tuesday 20 April 2021. For the Spring session, our open source humanoid robot 'Reachy' by Pollen Robotics, coupled with Ubiquity Robotics "Magni" base will be transformed into an autonomous mobile office assistant.

Yasssssss!

And who better to guide us on this complex but super satisfying project but Technical Mentor Dr Andrew Gillies (formerly of Dash Robotics).

So what do YOU want Reachy to do??

How about programming Reachy to navigate the Circuit Launch office and sell snacks to people at their desks?

Or program Reachy to greet a Circuit Launch visitor. After asking who they are here to see, the robot leads them to the member’s office or desk, but only if the robot has seen that person come in today...

Perhaps Reachy gives a tour of Circuit Launch to those who request it. During the tour, the robot says hello to members it sees and tells the visitor about the member’s amazing startup or project?

...Tempted by d. All of the above??

So, how does this work?

Unlike other online courses, what's cool is that you can get your hands on robots straight away.

Day one of orientation week: the plywood robot arm hackathon. In 7 hours laser cut plywood, 3D print parts, solder electronics, assemble with stepper motors and then program the arm to pick up objects. Sweet.

For the rest of the first week spend time getting to know our facilities, equipment, tools, the program methodology and the team.

From week 2 we get really organized: implementing an industry standard SCRUM Project Management methodology. We engage in weekly sprints towards the 'north star' goal and work as a team helping each other get there (see how much time is involved below).

To fill in the gaps we deep dive into custom specialized topics through mentor-led study halls and workshops. These sessions are intended to target knowledge and skill gaps, and provide momentum to overcome obstacles. Topics covered include robot operating system (ROS), creating a ROS node, 3D printing, CAD design using Fusion 360 and more.

Do I qualify?

For the team program, applicants will be chosen based on experience in at least one field of technical knowledge that is applicable to the project.

Think electronics... software... hardware... mechanical engineering...

No more than 50% of the students can be exclusively virtual. If you are not accepted for the Team Program you will have the option to join the Individualized Program.

Can I participate remotely?

Absolutely.

Around half to three-quarters of our students have been participating virtually during the pandemic. We use a range of tools and platforms (Zoom, Discord, Slack, Notion) to enable virtual collaboration so you can learn from home.

In-person is possible as well. See COVID compliance below.

How much time is involved?

The program commences Tuesday 20 April and concludes Friday 9 July 2021.

At least 20 hours per week commitment is required which includes 6 hours per week of structured team based sessions. As mentioned above, day 1 of week 1 orientation commences with a robot arm hackathon; day 2 is a series of workshops on the CoLab methodology and day 3 are classes on using the tools in the Lab (3D printers, laser cutters etc).

From week 2, the schedule is:

Monday 2pm - 3:30pm (SCRUM Check-in: team tasks and timelines)

Wednesday 2pm - 5pm (Workgroup, specialist workshop or study hall)

Friday 2pm - 3:30pm (Show & Tell - share what you've worked on during the week)

If you can't make it, then you can contribute asynchronously by sending in your video update in advance of the workshop that will be shared with the team during the meeting. All meetings are recorded so students can catch up if they need to.

When do I pay?

If your application is successful, you will be notified via email and once you accept, payment will be due.

COVID compliance. Very important.

This program is COVID compliant. We require masks while in the space at Circuit Launch. Full social distancing and safety protocols are in place. Plus we have Molekule air filters activated while we're working in the Lab. During the pandemic we have a limit of 10 students in person in the Lab at any time.