Workshops and Classes
Our award winning instructors can teach you how make robots, take control of electronics with Arduinos or 3D print your own creations.
Here at Mechatrons, we are passionate about promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in Ireland through the motivational effects of Robotics. STEM @Mechatrons is the educational face of the Irish Robotics and Special Effects company Mechatrons Technologies. We have been delivering lectures, classes and workshops on robotics and coding for over 20 years. Our Professor of Robotics, is the world renowned and award-winning Roboticist Peter Redmond. Peter sets our syllabus and delivers many of the lectures and workshops in person.
Why do Robotics with Mechatrons?
1. It is fun!!
Not many fields of knowledge incorporate creativity and fun simultaneously. Studies have shown that robotics achieves both. In fact, students love to partake in activities in which they have full control, something that is possible with robotics. And when you’re able to do cool stuff, you’ll want to develop more features.
2. Effective way of introducing programming to students
Programming can be too abstract. By having to control a physical robot and seeing what goes wrong, you can learn what robots can and can’t do. You’ll also learn and understand the need for precise instructions.
3. Provides skills useful in future employment
With advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, driverless cars, and spacecrafts taking shape every day, the present generation of students needs to be more prepared for technological changes than any before. By programming robots, you can discover if you have an aptitude and interest in a job market of the future.
4. Teamwork
Robotics incorporates a range of skills, and thus promotes a learning environment for people with different talents. If properly harnessed, it also promotes a culture of teamwork.
Tasters for Teens
Classes for Young Minds
Classes for Teens
Classes for Adults
Taster Classes for Teens
Description:
The taster class is single class intended to be an introduction to Robotics. This class will look at robots without sensors attached and the Arduino coding required. Different challenges are presented at each stage during the class culminating in solving a maze. Students can sign up to continue with the full course on the day. By the end of this class, students will have a very basic introduction to robotics concepts and Arduino code.
We hold this class every week during the term but you only attend one class. Students can sign up to continue with the full course on the day if they feel they want more.
Prerequisites:
Basic skills in using a computer, like mouse control, double clicking, and drag and drop. Reading and writing in English. Understanding of basic mathematics such as angles.
Suitable for ages 12 to 17.
Unfortunately, the classroom is not currently wheelchair accessible.
Content:
Gearing, Motors, Differential Drive Mechanisms, Castors, Drive Trains, Beginning Arduino, controlling the robots, timing and controlling movement.
All equipment is provided.
Schedule: The class is held on Saturdays.
Duration: Each Class is 90 minutes long.
Classes for Young Minds
Description:
The classes are intended to be an introduction to Robotics, sensors, motors, and different challenges presented in a fun way at each stage during the classes.
Prerequisites:
Basic skills in using a computer, like mouse control, double clicking, and drag and drop. Reading and writing in English.
Suitable for ages 7 to 12
Unfortunately, the classroom is not currently wheelchair accessible.
Content:
- Combination of Graphical Programming and building blocks– Includes the microcontroller that supports creating graph programs using mBlock, and various blocks. It make learning easy and fun.
- Assembly of different models and by the end of the course building and code the robot to solve the given task.
- Graphical Programming can improve children’s interest in learning by dragging and splicing colorful coding interface. Block building can develop their imagination development, hand-eye coordination, creative, logical thinking and problem solving skills.
All equipment is provided.
Schedule: The class is held on Saturdays.
Duration: Each Class is 90 minutes long.
Classes for Teens
Robotics 101 is a 6 week weekly or 5 day daily course designed to teach the basics of robotics. This course will look at robots with and without sensors attached and the coding required for each. Different challenges are presented each week such as building a simple remote control robot, coding and solving a maze. Each session builds on the previous so attendance is important. The final class is a contest to get a robot solve a maze in the fastest time. By the end of this course, students will have an understanding of basic sensors, robotics concepts and Arduino code.
Prerequisites
Basic skills in using a computer, like mouse control, double clicking, and drag and drop. Reading and writing in English. Understanding of basic mathematics such as angles.
Suitable for ages 12 to 17.
Unfortunately, the classroom is not currently wheelchair accessible.
Content
Gearing, Motors, Servo Motors, Differentials, Drive Mechanisms, Castors, Drive Trains, Beginning Arduino , controlling the robots, timing and controlling movement.
Schedule
The Course runs every Saturday for 6 Saturdays with each class is 90 minutes long or Monday to Friday with each class 2 hours long.
Classes for Adults
Arduino 101 Description:
Arduino 101 is a 6-week course designed to teach the basics of hardware and code for Arduino. This course will look at the Arduino with sensor attached and introduction to electronics principles. The course includes basic code programming and embedded system control. By the end of this course, students will have an understanding of basic electronics, sensors and Arduino hardware interfacing concepts.
Robotics 101 Description:
Robotics 101 is a 6 week course designed to teach the basics of robotics. This course will look at the robots with sensor attached and different challenges that can be achieved, such as escaping areas, building a simple remote control robot, played tug-of-war and completing an obstacle course. By the end of this course, students will have an understanding of basic sensors and robotics concepts.
Prerequisites:
Basic skills in using a computer, like mouse control, double clicking, and drag and drop. the course is delivered in English.
This course is geared for adult level.
Unfortunately, the classroom is not currently wheelchair accessible.
Arduino 101 Content:
Electronics, Motor control, Beginning Arduino, Coding, Interfacing, Embedded Systems, Communications and Protocols.
Robotics 101 Content:
Gearing, Motors, Servo Motors, Differentials, Drive Mechanisms, Castors, Drive Trains, Beginning Arduino, controlling the robots, timing and controlling movement.All equipment is provided.
Schedule: The Arduino 101 Course runs every Monday evening for 6 Mondays. The Robotics 101 Course runs every Friday evening for 6 Fridays.
Duration: Each session is 90 minutes in duration.