Integrating the HuskyLens into our Arduino Teacher Training
By Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy
We’re thrilled to announce a major upgrade to our curriculum materials and educator training for the Arduino and Parallax ShieldBot: the integration of the HuskyLens AI Vision Sensor! This upgrade brings powerful and accessible machine vision capabilities to the classroom, giving educators the tools to teach modern robotics concepts through hands-on, AI-enabled activities.
Join us this summer in our upcoming Online Teacher Training for the Arduino with Parallax ShieldBot!
Dates: July 21st – 25th, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET (Live, with recordings available)
Why Upgrade to the HuskyLens?
The HuskyLens delivers a more robust and flexible solution for machine vision compared to the PixyCam. Designed with both classrooms and real-world robotics in mind, HuskyLens enhances student learning while removing common integration hurdles.
Key Benefits of HuskyLens Over PixyCam:
- No software installation needed: All configuration is done directly on the device—perfect for Chromebook-compatible classrooms, avoiding Windows/Mac software limitations.
- Improved real-world color detection: Performs better out-of-the-box in dynamic lighting conditions.
- Extended color sampling: Capture color samples over several seconds to include a wider hue range for more reliable tracking.
- Robust AprilTag detection: We're transitioning our final curriculum unit from color blob tracking to AprilTags, enabling a more consistent autonomous parking activity.
- Flexible communication: Supports I2C and UART, which eliminates the pin conflicts that exist when using both the PixyCam and servo motors.
- Lower cost: Currently, HuskyLens is more affordable than PixyCam.
- Deeper computer vision learning: Enables educators to teach foundational machine vision and AI classification concepts without overwhelming setup complexity.
Sense, Perceive, Plan, Act: Teaching Autonomous Thinking
The integration of HuskyLens brings to life the core cycle of intelligent robotic behavior:
Sense → Perceive → Plan → Act
Students build systems that can recognize people, detect AprilTags, follow lines, or classify objects, and then respond autonomously—mirroring how modern autonomous robots function in industry and research.
Supporting PixyCam-Based Systems
We know many educators are currently using PixyCam, and we remain committed to supporting those systems. All Pixy-based curricula, tutorials, and documentation will continue to be available. Educators can choose when and how to transition, with the confidence that our support for the PixyCam isn't going away.
Educator Benefits & Training
Your registration includes:
- Free ShieldBot Kit
- Includes Arduino and Parallax ShieldBot kit, compliments Parallax
- Batteries and HuskyLens must be purchased separately
- HuskyLens AI Vision Sensor integration and projects
- 36 hours of professional development with CMRA Teacher Certification
- Two Student Certifications
- Access to two full research-based curricula:
- Robotics Integration with ShieldBot
- Software Foundations with ShieldBot
This course is ideal for educators looking to introduce computer science and AI concepts in a hands-on, engaging format using cost-effective, classroom-ready tools.