Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy

Use educational affordances of robotics to create CS-STEM opportunities for all learners

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Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Training for Jetson Nano with JetBot AI (On Site)

In this face-to-face teacher training, you will work with the world leaders in robotics education to learn how to teach Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in a robotics context using the NVIDIA Jetson Nano and JetBot platform. Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy's specialized training program for the NVIDIA Jetson Nano and JetBot AI has been specifically designed for high school and college educators who wish to infuse their curriculum with an innovative and practical approach to teaching artificial intelligence (AI) and mobile robotics. 

Why AI and Mobile Robotics? AI is transforming industries from healthcare to finance, agriculture to entertainment, and many more. Concurrently, mobile robotics is evolving at a rapid pace, with robots playing increasingly significant roles in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and even personal assistance. In this ever-changing landscape, there is a pressing need for students to understand AI and robotics from a fundamental level. 

Value of Our Training Our comprehensive training program provides educators with the knowledge and tools to successfully teach AI and mobile robotics using the Nvidia Jetson Nano on the Jetbot robotics platform. The Jetson Nano is a small, powerful computer designed specifically for AI and machine learning, making it an ideal tool for teaching these subjects. The Jetbot, a mobile robot powered by the Jetson Nano, provides a hands-on, tangible application of AI, making it a perfect companion tool.

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Our training program includes:
  • Introduction to AI, machine learning, and robotics fundamentals
  • Hands-on experience with the NVIDIA Jetson Nano and Jetbot AI
  • Strategies to effectively teach these complex subjects in an engaging and accessible way
  • Continued support and access to classroom teaching materials

Upon completion of the training, participants will receive a certificate of completion stating 36 professional development hours in areas including artificial intelligence, robotics, and coding.

 

Syllabus

Topic 1: Getting Started with Jetson Nano
Getting Started:
- What is the Jetson Nano?
- Setting up the Jetson Nano

Topic 2: Basic Motion with the Jetson Nano
Basic Motion:
- Behavior-Based Programming & Pseudocode
- Python Programming
- Basic Motion Challenges

Topic 3: Teleoperation with Jetson Nano
Teleoperation:
- Teleoperation Configuration
- Teleoperation Practice Challenges

- Configuring Remote Camera Feed

Cybersecurity:
- Cybersecurity Threats in Robotics
- Defense in Depth

Topic 4: GPIO (LED & Bumper) on Jetson Nano
GPIO (General Purpose Input & Output):
- Introduction to GPIO on Jetson Nano
- Controlling LEDs
- Bumper Switches
- GPIO Practice Challenges

Topic 5: Collision Avoidance with Jetson Nano
Collision Avoidance:
- Collision Avoidance on Jetbot

Topic 6: Path Following with Jetson Nano
Path Following:
- Path Following on Jetbot
- Path Following with Collision Avoidance on JetBot

Topic 7: Autonomous Racing with Jetson Nano
Autonomous Racing:
- Introduction to Reinforcement Learning
- Reinforcement Learning with the Jetbot
- Autonomous Racing 

Topic 8: AprilTag Navigation with Jetson Nano
AprilTag Navigation:
- Introduction to AprilTags
- Camera Calibration
- AprilTag Navigation

Topic 9: SLAM with Jetson Nano
SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping):
- Introduction to ROS (Robot Operating System)
- Network Configuration
- Mapping and Localization
- Multi-point Navigation

Requirements

Class attendees use Robotic Academy’s computers, robot kits, curriculum, and programming software during the week. No extra purchases of any hardware or software for this course are necessary. 

Tuition Cost - $1,299

Tuition includes 4 days of onsite training and use of Robotic Academy’s computers, robot kits, curriculum, and programming software during the week. You do not need to purchase any hardware or software for this course. Lunch is provided as part of tuition Monday through Thursday.

Upon Completion

  • 36 ACT 48 credits for Pennsylvania teachers
  • Opportunity to earn a Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Certification stating 36 hours of professional development
  • A Certificate of Completion that may also be used to apply for Continuing Education hours

1. Eligibility

  • Courses are open to individuals 18 years of age or older who are educators, coaches, or professionals.

  • International enrollment is subject to applicable U.S. export control laws and may be restricted where prohibited.

  • CMRA reserves the right to verify eligibility and decline enrollment or remove participants who provide false information or violate these policies.


2. Registration & Payment

  • Each registration is valid for one participant only.

  • Course materials, recordings, and login credentials are non-transferable. Other educators from the same school or organization must register separately to gain access.

  • Registrants must provide accurate, current information during registration.

  • Payment may be made via credit card or institutional purchase order. Contact cmra@nrec.ri.cmu.edu for purchase order arrangements.

  • Payments processed through the CMRA online store are subject to a 3% credit card processing fee, deducted from any applicable refund.


3. Refund Policy

  • Refund requests must be submitted in writing via email to cmra@nrec.ri.cmu.edu .

  • Requests made at least 14 calendar days prior to the class start date will receive a refund, minus the 3% processing fee.

  • No refunds will be issued once:

    • A class is full, or

    • The request is made within 14 calendar days of the class start date.


4. Course Cancellation or Changes

  • CMRA reserves the right to cancel or reschedule courses due to low enrollment, instructor availability, or other unforeseen circumstances.

  • If a course is canceled, registrants will be offered:

    • A full refund (minus applicable processing fees), or

    • The option to transfer to a future session. Participants who choose to transfer to a future session waive their right to request a refund for that registration.

  • Instructors, schedules, and course content are subject to change.


5. Health Policy for In-Person Trainings

  • Participants should not attend onsite training if they are sick or experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness.

  • CMRA will make every effort to provide:

    • Substitute online access to training materials, or

    • Placement in a future training cohort (if available) at no additional cost, provided advance notice is given where possible.


6. Technology Requirements (Online Courses)

  • Participants are responsible for having:

    • A reliable computer and stable internet connection,

    • A modern web browser, and

    • Any required hardware and software specified in the course description.

  • Internet access and bandwidth costs are the responsibility of the participant. CMRA is not liable for disruptions caused by a participant’s technical limitations or network issues.


7. Course Materials & Copyright

  • All course materials are the intellectual property of CMRAUnauthorized sharing, duplication, or redistribution of course materials is prohibited.

  • Materials are provided for personal, non-commercial use only by the registered participant.

  • Printing or downloading materials is allowed solely for participation in the course or for approved instructional use as outlined by CMRA.

  • Recordings and course presentations are hosted for up to one year after course completion. Participants are responsible for downloading any materials they wish to keep long-term.


8. Code of Conduct

  • Participants must treat instructors and peers with professionalism and respect.

  • Harassment, discriminatory behavior, or academic dishonesty will result in immediate removal from the course without refund.

  • Unauthorized access or distribution of course materials is grounds for removal and potential denial of future registration.


9. Accessibility and Accommodations

  • CMRA is committed to providing inclusive learning opportunities.

  • Requests for accommodations must be submitted in writing to cmra@nrec.ri.cmu.edu at least one month before the course begins.

  • Services may be modified or withdrawn if participants fail to engage or participate as required for delivery of accommodations.


10. Privacy and Data Use

  • Personal information (such as name, mailing address, or email) provided during registration is used only to administer courses, respond to inquiries, and provide CMRA updates.

  • In online chat areas, participants should be aware that their username or email may be visible to others.

  • CMRA will not share personal data with third parties except as required by law or legal process.


11. Coursework Use

  • CMRA may use coursework produced by students to advance its educational mission or for research purposes.

  • When this occurs, participants will be given the option to have their name credited to the material.


12. Certification and Completion

  • Certificates are awarded upon successful completion of all course requirements, including:

    • Completion of all required assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor, and

    • Passing the certification exam, where applicable.

  • Certificates are issued digitally and are not equivalent to CMU academic credit, unless explicitly stated.


13. Indemnification

  • Participants agree to indemnify and hold CMRA harmless from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from their participation in the course, including infringement of third-party rights.


14. Limitation of Liability

  • All services and materials are provided “as is.”

  • CMRA is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages related to course participation.


15. Policy Revisions

  • Policies are subject to change.

  • The most current version will always be made available on the CMRA registration site or learning platform.


Contact

For questions or clarification, please email cmra@nrec.ri.cmu.edu.