Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy

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

Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy  ›  Training  ›  Anytime Online Training  ›  Electrical Foundations Anytime Online Training



Electrical Foundations with Arduino Anytime Online Training

Enjoy the convenience of taking Robotics Academy courses from anywhere in the world and at your own pace, with support and guidance from our highly qualified instructors. Anytime Online classes feature a hybrid learning model where participants receive just-in-time instructional videos as they work through course content in our learning management system. 

In this training, you will learn how to teach the electrical competencies real-world robotics technicians use every day. Tuition includes online access to CS2N and Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Training Materials. To follow along with this course, you will need some tools and inexpensive classroom materials (not included with tuition). The 

Electrical Foundations focuses on the foundational concepts around basic electricity and how circuits work. In this course, students learn how to use multimeters to measure various parts of a circuit. Students learn how to control signals using a microcontroller, how to utilize binary sensors like Limit Switches, and analog sensors like an Ultrasonic Sensor. The culminating project is an e-panel consisting of all of the components found in a typical robotic system. It is one of five courses developed as part of the Smart Manufacturing and Advanced Robotics Training (SMART) Project, funded by the ARM Institute. Please see Robotics Technician Curricula for more information.

Teacher AND Student Certifications Included!

Enrollment in this training now includes Certification for the participating educator AND two of their students, valued at $400. Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Certifications serve as continuing education credits for the educator and provide their students with evidence of learning gains in robotics and coding. Certifications as part of our SMART Robotics Technician Program are endorsed by the ARM Institute. 

arm-endorsement-logo.png

There is no schedule!

You can train at your own pace and at any time you want!

 

Syllabus

Unit 1: Wiring and Circuits

This unit dives into creating our very first circuit. We build their way toward adding components like a switch to begin controlling the power. We also get the chance to use a very important tool, called the Multimeter, which allows us to take measurements of Voltage. The unit project for this is to create a Lightbox that incorporates all of the wiring, battery, and switches used in the unit.
Unit 2: Parallel and Series Circuits

For the second unit, we start learning that circuits can be put together in different ways where if you cut off one circuit, the other(s) can still function. This is the idea of having series vs. parallel circuits. The unit project for this involves creating multiple parallel circuits that result in an LED sign.
Unit 3: Voltage and Current: Motors

For this unit, a new concept comes into play: Current. We try to power up a motor, but see that it needs more voltage and current. Using the Multimeter, we are able to get some Current readings from the circuit. The Unit project for this unit requires us to make a fan.

Unit 4: Controlling Signals

Unit 4 involves incorporating the Arduino into our circuits. The Arduino allows us to control signals from circuits using programs. We make a few modifications to some sample programs to get an idea of what it takes to manipulate some values to get some interesting results.

Unit 5: Sensors

For Unit 5, we start to find ways to gather data from the environment using sensors. In particular, we use a Limit Switch, and a Distance Sensor. Using these sensors allow us to determine when to react to detecting a bump, or if something is near. The unit project involves creating an autonomous kicker that detects an object, and then kicks it out.

Unit 6: E-Panel

 Lastly, Unit 6 involves doing the planning. In particular, we know which components we are going to use. This allows us to lay out where the components go, and then cut the wires to size. We also learn that labeling and using conduits are helpful to future proof the electronics panel.

The following is required to complete this course (not included):

Electrical Foundations Materials list

 

Computer System Requirements

  • Windows® 7, 8, 10 or later / Mac® OSX 10.8 or later
  • Modern Web Browser and PDF Viewer
  • At least one available USB port
  • Broadband Internet connection

Tuition Cost - $399

Use the links to the top-right to register or checkout instantly. 

Upon Completion

  • 36 ACT 48 credits for Pennsylvania teachers
  • Opportunity to earn a Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Certification stating 36 hours of professional development

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 CMRA. Unauthorized 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.

On-site Training
Live Online Training
Anytime Online Training
At Your Location Training