Beginner robotics projects. Start with a question.

if reading is missing:
    STOP
else if distance <= threshold:
    STOP
else:
    MOVE FORWARD

Turn a demonstration into an experiment

A robotics project becomes more useful when you predict an outcome, change one condition and compare the result with your prediction. For the stopping rule, use the same threshold and vary the reading. Then keep the reading fixed and vary the threshold.

A real vehicle does not stop instantaneously. Speed, braking distance, sensor delay and measurement error would affect a physical design. This experiment isolates the decision rule so you can explain it clearly before tackling those complications.

Project 02: choose measurements for a mission

Open the robot sensor activity. Choose between reading a label, finding a wall in murky water and comparing temperatures at different depths. Select sensors, check the feedback, then explain why each device belongs in your design.

Extend it: remove one reading. What information is now missing? A longer equipment list is not the goal; a reasoned choice is.

Project 03: design an ROV on paper

Use the Stinky guide and printable engineering worksheet to sketch a robot that retrieves a sample. Label the operator, tether, power supply, motors and feedback path. Compare one of your decisions with the original team’s technical report.

Extend it: move the battery from the vehicle to the surface in your drawing. List the trade-offs you would investigate. This is a design discussion, not a tested wiring plan.

Where does AI fit?

The simulator above follows a fixed rule; it does not train a model. To explore the distinction, try the four scenarios in robotics vs artificial intelligence. Ask whether a human, an explicit rule or a trained model makes the particular decision.

For teachers and clubs

Use the activities separately or combine them into a 45–60 minute session. Learners should be comfortable comparing numbers and explaining a choice; no programming background is assumed. For a film-led lesson, start with the Spare Parts discussion worksheet, then move from the team’s decisions to a design of your own.

• Look for evidence: can a learner connect a claim to a reading, test result or source?
• Ask for a limitation: what has the model or sketch left out?
• Invite revision: what changed after a failed prediction?

The activities run without an account. They do not ask for student names or store submitted answers. On the public site, analytics can count activity use without collecting the learner’s answers. Teachers may print and share the original exercises for classroom use.

Ready for physical hardware?

SeaPerch’s official build resources offer a route into building an underwater ROV. Follow the programme’s current materials, instruction and supervision guidance. Our browser activities and paper worksheet are not a substitute for its physical build instructions.