Create session
Automation is the creation and application of technology to monitor and control the production and delivery of products and services. It has changed how we do business, the type of manufacturing skills required and the jobs available in industry.
Economists have identified that automation increases our need to problem solve, communicate and collaborate so students are challenged to develop a robotic solution in response to an industry problem or scenario.
Session 1:
Students develop basic block coding skills and then work in groups to assemble and program a purpose built machine that uses light sensors and moving parts to sort objects (M&Ms) by colour.
Session 2:
Increasingly complex programming is introduced to students as they sort additional colours of M&Ms while trying to achieve greater process efficiencies.
Session 3:
Students progress to programming a mechanical arm to perform precision operations, picking up and placing objects in a targeted pattern.