Vex Robotics Program is the newly launched program by Boswin Robotics. This program is specifically designed for students
between 14 and 18 years old who are interested in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). Through the program, students will develop real world robotics experience and work like real engineers by designing robot and programming real robot.
As there is no competition this year due to Covid-19, the program we designed is to prepare our students to learn all the fundamental skills, including building and programming skills and prepare for the future competition. The details of the program are as follows:
AUTODESK: Foundational Concepts (Level 1)
Students will learn to install the Autodesk and learn its foundational concepts such as file structure, user interface, basic modelling and collaboration. Understanding where your data is stored, setting preferences, file import and export, and opening and closing a file are covered. User interface and navigation such as the Application Bar, Toolbar, ViewCube, and Timeline will be covered. Students will learn basic sketch-based modelling. Autodesk’s collaboration tool will be studied so that students can share their projects. Importance of the modelling in the design engineering process will be discussed. Students will be presented with challenges at the end of the program.
There are 8 1-hour online classes for this level.
AUTODESK: Applications to VEX (Level 2)
Learning robotics is a great way to learn CAD and engineering 
principles. Using the VEX Guide for Building the Clawbot for reference; students will learn to open a partially completed robot assembly then assemble the supplied components onto the robot. Students will assemble the components using joints then check the motion of the Clawbot arm. Students will document the design by creating drawings of the assembly and detail drawings of a robot component. The drawings enable students to output PDF and DWG documentation of your design. Rendering and Animation will be covered. Students will learn to change the appearances of the robot and change the lighting to enhance the rendered image. Students will learn to create animations of exploded views in the Animation workspace. These animations can be published and shared with the design team. Students will learn to create an assembly structure, create assembly and detail drawings, a parts list, rendering and animating the robot design. If time permits, students will learn to build custom robot parts.
There are 8 1-hour online classes for this level.
PROGRAMMING: Foundational Concepts (Level 3)
In this course, students will progress to the programming of robots after they finish 
Level 1 and Level 2.
Students will be able to learn as follows:
-
basic programming concepts with block languages (VEXCode VR) and text-based language (C++).
-
project flow, loops, conditionals, algorithms.
-
programming techniques on a virtual online robot. Furthermore, students will learn C++ programming language.
-
basic Command Prompts and writing proper code through naming convention and acceptable coding practice. Studio Visual Code will be used for practice.
There are 8 1-hour online classes to finish the level.
Intro to Robotics Engineering (Level 4)
Through the course, the students will learn basic Engineering Design Process and VEX robot design and they will cover the following:
-
Basic components of a robot design system including structures and hardware will be reviewed.
-
Basic classical mechanics such as speed, power and torque will be reviewed along with DC motor and power transmission with gears. Physical principles of frictions and tractions will be applied to drivetrain design.
-
Students will learn various types of lifting mechanisms useful in competitions.
-
VEX code VR activities will be given to students on each lesson as a review in programming skills.
There are 8 1-hour online classes to finish the level from March 21st to May 30th. No classes on April 4th, 11th and May 23rd.
Preparation of Competitive Robotics (Level 5)
While students have owned all the basic skills needed for Vex Robotics, now it is time to get real Vex challenge.
This course allows students to apply their knowledge in CAD drafting, C++ coding, engineering and design into a real VEX robot project. Students will perform research on successful various robot components and build them.
If permitted, we plan to participate in 2021 VEX Robotic Competition with main goal to get our feet wet and gain experience in the real VEX robotics competition with guidance from experience mentors and real-world engineers.
There are 8 1-hour class to finish this level from June 6th to August 15th (no classes on June 13th, July 4th and August 1st)